Homemade History: Fondant

The fondant we've come to glorify especially in high end cake decorating was once a poor man's answer to sugar. During the Renaissance when sugar was a luxury afforded by the elite, a simple paste of sugar and almonds was formed to sweeten and decorate cakes, thus marking the beginning of this confection's use.
As we know it, traditional fondant is a syrup made from dissolving sugar and corn syrup in water, allowing it to cool into a thick syrup, and perhaps flavoring and dyeing it to sweeten and decorate petit fours. The rolled fondant used for cakes is a combination of gelatin, glucose, glycerin, and powdered sugar. Keep in mind, however, that this combination isn't exactly known for it's sweetness, but rather for it's decorative quality. So, that's why there's a layer of one's favorite butter cream frosting underneath!

Sources: eHow and OChef

Sweet Shop: The Sugar Flower Shop

For those of us that do not have the sugar flower savvy of Sylvia Weinstock, there is a shop that sells individual sugar flowers arrangements for your cake decorating needs. The Sugar Flower Shop is an online store that carries all types of sugar flower species from simple gerbera daisies and classic roses to elegant calla lilies and chic orchids. Another perk: If they don't have the type of flower or plant you want already in stock, a simple email will prompt them to make it for you. They will also collaborate with you or your event's baker to help create a blooming masterpiece for every celebration. Simple arrangements start at a modest $25.

Visit the site to view their fabulous gallery and for contact information.

Welcome to Insane for Sweets!

This blog is concerned with all things having to do with baking, cake decorating, and general goodies that I'm obsessed with at the moment. I hope that I can use my enthusiasm for baking in to unite and inspire all other pastry lovers. So, here we go!