I recently checked out some books from the library about how to mold things with clay. As I mentioned earlier, I have decided to try my hand at making figurines out of fondant. But that was my first problem, was trying to make them out of fondant. My elephant and mouse took forever to dry out, so after some quick research on the Internet I learned that I needed to use gumpaste, which sets up quicker. So with my 50% off coupon in hand, I trekked to Michaels to buy some gumpaste.My first animal attempt was a bear. The first bear was great, he looked all bear-y and cute and wonderful. Unfortunately, since I was new at the process, I didn't wait long enough for the gumpaste to harden before I put his heavy head on him, so he began to slowly slouch, until it got to the point that is was less painful for me to squish him and retry. This is bear #3. Bear #2 looked good as well, I made #2 and #3 at the same time, but #3 was smaller and had more character. Just like with the bear, my first monkey didn't turn out so well. I did wait for the body to stiffen a little before I put the head on, but not long enough, so he looked more like a slouched, old monkey. This monkey on the other hand, turned out much better. Although I think I will call him Spot, because he has a watermark spot under his eye, poor guy.The giraffe is EC's favorite and was the only giraffe I had to make because luckily he turned out. He did have a few minor incidents, such as his neck having a hard time supporting his head, but with a little more gumpaste and gumpaste glue I fixed him up so you can't even tell.

The cakes on the other hand were much more dramatic. This is only the second time I have EVER worked with square cakes, and as you can see, these cakes are not quite as cubical as one would hope. But, out of the four that I made, these are the better of the two. The cake is a white cake with a Raspberry filling. The cake recipe is from The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum, which I definitely recommend reading. The filling is a Raspberry filling, which turned out slightly too sweet in my opinion, but I am still waiting to see what feedback my friend has for the finished product.

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Raspberry Filling

From Good Things Catered

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2 c. powdered sugar

minuscule pinch of salt

1/2 c. shortening

1 1/2 tsp natural raspberry extract

1/2 tsp butter flavor

4 oz. fresh raspberries

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In the bowl of stand mixer, combine shortening and extracts and stir on low until relatively combined. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and salt, then add to mixer while still on. Stir, scraping down sides of bowl, until thoroughly combined. Add raspberries and stir to combine.(Add water if needed to reach desired texture.)