The Quest for Fondant: How to Make it Without a Microwave
I have always had a penchant for baking ever since I was a child. The heavenly aromas, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, and the pure joy on people’s faces when they take a bite of my creations – it all brings me immense happiness. One of my favorite ingredients to work with is fondant, a smooth and pliable icing that can be used to create intricate designs and decorations on cakes and pastries. However, there have been numerous occasions when I found myself without a microwave, and the prospect of making fondant seemed impossible. But fear not, for I embarked on a quest to find quick and easy alternatives to make fondant without a microwave.
1. The Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is a foolproof way to make fondant without a microwave. Here’s how you can do it:
Start by placing a large heatproof mixing bowl on top of a saucepan filled with simmering water. Make sure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This setup functions as a makeshift double boiler.In the mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.Next, add in 1 tablespoon of glucose syrup to the mixture and continue stirring. Glucose syrup is essential as it gives the fondant its elasticity and prevents it from becoming too dry.Keep stirring the mixture until it becomes a sticky dough-like consistency. At this point, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.Dust your work surface with confectioners’ sugar and knead the fondant until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the fondant is too sticky, add more confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.Your homemade fondant is now ready to be rolled out and used for decorating your cakes and pastries.2. The Oven Method
If you don’t have a microwave but happen to have an oven, fret not! You can still make fondant using this alternative method:
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Mix the ingredients well until they are fully incorporated.Transfer the mixture into a heatproof dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and let it warm up for about 10 minutes.After 10 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven, making sure to use oven mitts as the dish will be hot.Using a spoon or spatula, vigorously stir the mixture until it becomes a sticky dough-like consistency.Allow the fondant to cool for a few minutes before dusting your work surface with confectioners’ sugar and kneading the fondant until it becomes smooth and pliable.Your homemade fondant is now ready to be rolled out and used for your cake decorating adventures.3. The Steam Method
For those without a microwave or an oven, there is still hope! The steam method offers a clever way to make fondant using just a pot and a steam basket:
Fill a pot with about an inch or two of water and place a steam basket inside.In a heatproof bowl, combine 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Mix the ingredients well.Place the bowl on top of the steam basket in the pot of water. Make sure that the water does not reach the bottom of the bowl.Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture steam for about 10-15 minutes.After steaming, carefully remove the bowl from the pot, using oven mitts as it will be hot.Stir the mixture vigorously until it becomes a sticky dough-like consistency.Allow the fondant to cool before dusting your work surface with confectioners’ sugar and kneading the fondant until it becomes smooth and pliable.Your homemade fondant, made with the power of steam, is now ready to adorn your cakes and pastries with its sweet elegance.Regardless of the absence of a microwave, these alternative methods ensure that you are still able to indulge in the art of fondant decoration. So, the next time you find yourself in fondant dire straits, fear not, for you now have the knowledge to create fondant using alternative methods. Embrace the challenge and let your creativity soar as you adorn your baked masterpieces with your homemade fondant creations. Happy baking!
