How Do You Prevent Fondant From Cracking????
Decorating By abed Updated 14 Aug 2008 , 7:35pm by Sweetcakes23
Here are some tips I'v found that help when working with fondant.
1. Warm about 10 sec. in micro (1/2 batch of MMF) - to help soften
2. Knead really well - with slightly greased hands on well greased mat.
3. Don't roll too thin - will cause it to crack more easily
4. Apply onto cake with wonderful blue fondant mat from Atelco - I haven't had a crack since using this!
5. Trim excess as soon as you get it on cake - to ease the weight and prevent cracking.
I hope this helps.... 
Too much cornstarch or powdered sugar will give the alligator skin...I actually prefer to use shortening when rolling out fondant. Sweetcakes is right about kneading out the fondant very well...it should be very pliable and not sticky before you begin to roll it out. I don't use a mat just roll out, pick up (roll onto a rolling pin for large pieces) and place.
I agree with lorijom - once I started using shortening instead of cs or ps I started to enjoy working with fondant. I have also found that if the fondant dries out, I can knead a small amount of shortening in without any effect to taste or looks.
LOLOL, I understand, everyone seems to find their "comfort zone" on applying fondant. I envy anyone who can roll fondant onto a rolling pin without issues....just doesn't work for me! 
If I'm applying the fondant for the overall "base" of the cake, I don't put CS down, just the shortening, that makes it release real easy from mat.
However, If I'm doing boarders etc., After I've worked the fondant well with shortening/kneading, its THEN I dust board with CS, and start working my boarder/designs so they will roll up or whatever I want them to do, but they will become more dry and workable to apply to cake.
I hope that makes sense?
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