Help! I've got Jagged Edges!

Smoothing out the Edges ...

 

Real roses don't have jagged edges and neither should your frosting roses, but sometimes that's exactly how they turn out. There is help. Below is a checklist when your roses get a little edgy...

1. Use buttercream icing at a stiff consistency. The Wilton Buttercream Icing Recipe is a great one for roses.
2. Make sure you're using steady pressure on the bag.
3. Keep your bag at a 45 degree angle while piping the petals.
4. Make sure your icing isn't too cold.
5. It's possible the icing is too dry. Add drops of milk to the icing to moisten it SLIGHTLY. Adding too much will make the petals limp.
6. Air bubbles will cause this. Try not to mix your icing too much. If it's air bubbles, you can slap the icing with a wooden spoon to push some of the air out.
7. The narrow end of the tip could be too small. Widen a tiny bit with a butter knife.
8. Try adding 1/4 tsp of piping gel to the icing to give it more elasticity.
9. Most of all, practice, practice, practice...

Have questions? Need help with a baking problem? Email contact@mysweetmercy.com and we'll do our best to give you the right answer, or at least our version of it. :)

The Best Homemade Fondant

After experimenting with store-bought fondant and numerous homemade fondants, we've found our favorite and it's so simple to make!  It holds well and can be tinted any color. 16 oz marshmallow cream 6-8 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla We use a bread hook in our Kitchen Aid to start this, or don vinyl gloves and mix by hand. It takes a bit of work to mix it all together, but when it comes together, it's a great feeling and working fondant. To keep it from sticking, use a tiny bit of shortening on your work surface. If you're having trouble getting the consistency you want from your fondant, add more powdered sugar or if it's too stiff, try a little corn syrup and work it in until mixed. The best way I've found to roll fondant or work it is to place it on a sheet of thick, clear vinyl, like the vinyl that can be purchased at fabric stores as table coverings. It makes the finished fondant smooth and easy to lift off the work surface.  For fun ideas for fondant, check out this website. They've got the cutest cupcakes I've ever seen!