Fondant, marzipan, flower paste

Fondant, marzipan and flower paste

Fondant, marzipan, flower paste and other sugar pastes are different types of sugar masses used in confectionery and baking. They have different textures, tastes, and uses.
Fondant:
- Fondant is mainly made of powdered sugar, glucose syrup, and water.
- It has a smooth, elastic texture.
- Fondant is often used to frost cakes because it forms a smooth surface.
- It can also be used to model figures and decorations.
- Fondant has a neutral taste, but can be flavored with flavors such as vanilla or citrus.
Marzipan:
- Marzipan is made of ground almonds, sugar and sometimes rose water.
- It has a firm but pliable texture.
- Marzipan is often used to model figurines, flowers and other decorations.
- It can also be used to frost cakes, especially in European confections.
- Marzipan has a sweet, almond flavor.
Blossom Paste:
- Blossom paste is a special type of sugar paste that is thinner and more elastic than fondant or marzipan.
- Flower paste is mainly used for modeling edible flowers.
- The textured surface of flower paste makes flowers and other decorations look more realistic.
- It dries faster than fondant or marzipan and retains its shape even after drying.
Other sugar pastes:
- There are many other types of sugar pastes specifically designed for different purposes.
- Gum paste is similar to flower paste, but more elastic and stretchy.
- Modeling paste is a firmer sugar paste used for modeling figures.
- Royal icing is a sugar glaze used for decorating cookies and cakes.
- Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream used as a filling or frosting.
Each type of sugar paste has its own properties and uses. Which paste is used depends on the desired result and the intended application.

How do I cover a cake with fondant without wrinkles?

To frost a cake with fondant without wrinkles, follow the steps below:
1. Prepare the cake by spreading a thin layer of buttercream or ganache on it. This will smooth the surface and prevent crumbs from getting into the fondant.
2. Lightly dust a clean work surface and rolling pin with baker's starch to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the fondant from the package and knead lightly to make it pliable. Shape the fondant into a ball, then roll it out with a rolling pin into a thin round sheet. The slab should be large enough to cover the entire cake and hang down the sides.
4. Carefully lift the fondant with both hands and place it over the cake. Starting in the center of the cake, gently press the fondant down, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
5. Working your way from the center outward, keep smoothing and spreading the fondant down and to the side to fit snugly against the cake. You can use your hands or a fondant smoother tool to remove wrinkles and evenly distribute the fondant as you do this.
6. Once the fondant is evenly distributed over the cake, use a sharp knife or fondant cutter to cut off the excess fondant at the bottom edge of the cake.
7.Decorate the cake as desired with additional fondant, for example with flowers, bows or cookie cutters.
Note: Articles on the subject are also available on specialized baking websites or video platforms.

How can I model figures from marzipan?

To model figures out of marzipan, you will need the following materials and tools:
1. Marzipan: It is best to use ready-bought marzipan, as this already has the right consistency. Alternatively, you can make your own marzipan.
2. Food coloring: If you want to model colored figures, you will need food coloring. These can be liquid or powder.
3. Cookie cutters: Cookie cutters can help you create basic shapes for your figurines.
4. Modeling Tools: You can use special modeling tools to shape fine details and add texture. Alternatively, you can use everyday items such as toothpicks, knives or paintbrushes.
Here is a step-by-step guide to modeling marzipan figures:
1. Preparation: knead the marzipan to make it soft and pliable. Divide it into smaller pieces to sculpt multiple figures.
2. Basic Shape: Shape the marzipan into a ball or other basic shape that resembles the figure you want to create. Use your hands to shape and smooth the marzipan.
3. Add details: You can now use modeling tools or everyday objects to add details such as facial features, clothing, or accessories. You can also use rolled out marzipan to create clothing or other pieces.
4. Using cookie cutters: If you need specific shapes, you can use cookie cutters to cut them out of the marzipan and then further sculpt and customize them.
5. Food coloring: If you want to make colored figures, mix food coloring into the marzipan to achieve the desired shade. Knead the marzipan well to distribute the color evenly.
6. Let dry: Allow the sculpted figures to air dry before presenting or decorating them.
7. Decorating: You can enhance your marzipan figures with other decorations such as icing, beads or glitter.

How can I model figures from marzipan?

To make sugar flowers from flower paste, you will need the following materials and tools:
- Blossom paste (a tough, edible modeling clay specially made for making flowers; can be bought in specialty stores or online)
- food coloring (to color the flower paste in different colors)
- rolling stick (to roll out the flower paste)
- flower cutters in different shapes and sizes
- flower shaping tools (to shape and model the flowers)
- dusting brush (to dust the flowers with color powder)
- glue (special edible food glue, to join the individual flower parts together)
Here is a step-by-step instruction to make sugar flowers from flower paste:
1. Preparation: start by kneading the flower paste to make it soft and pliable. Then divide the paste into small portions depending on how many flowers you want to make. Color each portion with the desired food coloring and knead well to distribute the color evenly.
2. Roll out: Take a portion of the colored flower paste and roll it out with the rolling pin on a work surface thinly sprinkled with starch. Make sure the paste is thin, but not too thin, to avoid breakage.
3. Punching out: Use the flower cutters to punch out the desired flower shapes from the rolled out flower paste. Carefully set the punched out flowers aside.
4. Shaping and Modeling: Use the flower shaping tools to add dimension and texture to the punched out flower shapes. Gently press the tools onto the edges of the petals to gently curl and shape them.
5. Drying: Place the shaped petals on baking paper or a special drying rack and let them dry thoroughly in a cool, dry place. 

Where can I buy fondant, marzipan or flower paste?

 You can buy fondant, marzipan and flower paste in many supermarkets, baking supply stores, on online platforms such as miniSchoggi or in specialized pastry and bakery stores. There are also some online stores that specialize in baking supplies and have a large selection of fondant, marzipan and flower paste.
Here's a shop where you can buy fondant, marzipan and flower paste: at miniSchoggi in Zurich Adliswil.

- Baking accessory stores, such as miniSchoggi. These stores specialize in baking ingredients and supplies and usually have a wide selection of fondant, marzipan, and flower paste.
It is advisable to check which store or online platform is near you and has a good selection of fondant, marzipan, and flower paste before shopping to make sure you find the product you want. If you order from miniSchoggi's online store by 3:00 pm, you will usually get your order delivered by mail the very next day.