I have a bride with an allergy to all things CORN.  Sure. No problem.  She decided she would prefer a fondant covering for her cake instead of buttercream.  Check the ingredients label on my fondant: no corn.  No problem.

But WAIT!  How do I roll out my fondant without CORN STARCH?  

I realize people use crisco, but I'm not sure I understand how that will work.  Then I have to peel it off my table?  

Has anyone had success with other starches?  Tapioca starch?  Potato starch?  Any reason why these would not work?  Thanks in advance!!

I have not used tapioca or potato starch, but I see no reason why they would not work.  You can also use powdered sugar, which would be my first choice if I could not use corn starch.  I've used Crisco, in fact, it is my favorite way to roll out fondant, BUT I use it with a mat.  You apply a small amount of Crisco to the mat, wipe off most of it with a paper towel, roll out the fondant, pick up the mat and drap the fondant over the cake and peel away the mat.

I second crisco with a mat!

Like Sandra said when I was 1st introduced to the use of fondant I was taught to lightly smear shortening on the surface, then take a paper towel and wipe it off -- not scrub but lightly wipe it.  Maybe that will help you? 

Thank you all so much! My powdered sugar does contain cornstarch, so that's not an option, but I will try the Crisco.  

Crisco mat -- as the smart ladies above said = best choice

or make your own powdered sugar in a food processor, then it won't have any cornstarch in it like a commercial product.

arrowroot powder is a baking substitute for cornflour, perhaps it would work for fondant also.  It has no flavor.

Now a question for all you Crisco advocates:  Does the Crisco not leave the fondant a little tacky and/or shiny? 

It sometimes makes it a bit shinny but then you probably didn't wipe it after smearing it on your surface.  I never had it be tacky.

I have not noticed a problem with it, but I do use homemade marshmallow fondant, which has a tendency to be a little more soft and sticky.

Be sure and wipe away most of the Crisco.  It takes only the slightest film.

Thank you so much for all the advice! 

You are very welcome.  Good luck!

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