"L is for...."

LUKE!  Today I went to the 1st birthday party for one of my best friend's little boy.  I introduced you to him a year ago...and now here we are a year later. 

Sarah decided to be quite the creative (and I'm sure frugal...I'll probably do this, too!) mom and make the cake for Luke.  She used this fondant recipe and I think it turned out really well. 

We did a test run a couple of weeks ago and determined that it does need to be VERY thick, probably thicker than you think, in order to roll out AND make it onto the cake smoothly.  I found a lion cake and since Sarah was doing a safari theme, she decided that would be the perfect cake.  I think it turned out super cute! 

Guess who the "C" is for!  :-)  Luke and I ALMOST share a birthday.  So, if you have to make a cake for someone, try this fondant recipe.  I want to try it sometime as well...fondant just seems intimidating but apparently it's not too bad!

Buttercream Fondant
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners' sugar
food coloring you desire

Directions
In a large bowl, stir together the shortening and corn syrup. Mix in the salt and vanilla flavoring, then gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar until it is a stiff dough. If you are using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Otherwise, knead by hand. If the dough is sticky, knead in more confectioners' sugar until it is smooth. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

 To use, roll out on a clean surface that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar until it is 1/8 inch thick or thinner if you can. Drape over frosted and chilled cakes and smooth the sides down, or cut into strips to make bows and other decorations.