I've had too many last minute cake orders that require hard fondant decorations - and I was wondering if anyone has ever used a food dehydrator to speed the hardening process along?
I have heard people doing this.Never tried myself!!
Personally, I don't have one, but I've heard of people on this site using it with success!
Really interesting idea! Never thought of trying it. My dehydrator sits in the attic collecting dust! I may have to break it out to give it a shot.
It does use heat, but it's a very low temp heat and a constant airflow--almost convection-like. I used to use it to dry fruit, but I could never wait long enogh for the fruit to dry. It would take hours!
from personal experience... yes, a dehydrater works well but make sure you have the object you are drying on the highest racks away from the burner. I would recommend 3rd and 4th tray and up. There is good and bad news in this working. Flat pieces are great but any object that has curves or waves... you have a 50-50 shot at maintaining the culpture. If you have more then 5 dehydration treys, use them. Place the object on the top tray and check on it periodically. Avoid touching the piece at any time unless you are trying to salvage a curve/wave. A spoon, marble, ect. can help. If for some reason you can't resist the touch (*grins* from guilt) don't panic or through it away if it feels "melting" soft to the touch. As long as it has it's shape your are doing great. You can rotate the pieces as you would fruits or meats but do not go below the 3rd trey.
Not an expert just a creative, bored explorer. 
Good Luck
Shyann
Think I'll give it a try, how long will it take to dry?
I have used the dehydrator in a pinch and it worked great! Like previously mentioned flat pieces work best.
I also elevate a rack when making gumpaste roses or MMF ones. Then the toothpick falls down through the wholes and I have a perfect method of moving things quickly when nap time is done and my real job is awake. LOL
I just did this last weekend for some fondant roses and it worked like a charm! I did them the same way NEWTODECORATING does hers, letting the toothpick drop between the trays. I did have one or two droop a little, but overall it was definitely a success!
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