There’s a lot of things in which I’m always seeking to improve my skill, even though I’m pretty good at them already. The list includes:
- …running 5ks (my current goal is 18:30).
- …cooking. There is plenty of room for improvement; I’m no Gordon Ramsay!
- …studying. I study very well provided I have the motivation, but when I don’t, I might as well be beating myself over the head with the book.
- …remembering where I’ve put things. Half the time they’re sitting right in front of me.
- …crossword puzzles. Dang you, New York Times!
- …playing chess. If only I could foresee the future.
And then there are also the things at which I’d love to not suck at. This slightly longer list includes:
- …weight lifting. I have pathetically scrawny arms but lifting weights bores me to tears.
- …swinging a baseball bat and actually *hitting* the baseball.
- …resting when I’m injured from running. Note to self: Stop being a stupid martyr.
- …resisting the urge to have the last word. Pride can be difficult to surpress.
- …admitting when I’m wrong. I’m often right, but I’m also often wrong.
- …licking my elbow. Supposedly it’s impossible but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying.
- …painting. Unless a professional artist is guiding my entire arm, the results won’t be pretty.
- …decorating cake/cupcakes. Never ask me to make your wedding cake. That’d be like asking for Bridezilla.
They say, “If you fail, try, try again.” So I’m giving the last one on my second list – cupcake decoration – another honest effort. If I can do it, anyone can!
Rolled Fondant Bows
- cupcakes, prepared according to a recipe
- rolled fondant (prepared according to a recipe or ready-to-use from Wilton)
First, sprinkle some confectioner’s sugar onto a clean surface. Also rub some on a rolling pin. Roll your fondant out to about 1/8″ thickness. Using a circular cookie cutter or small glass, cut out circles and place on cupcakes (made sure you allow them time to cool after baking). Cut off any excess fondant with scissors and smooth across cupcake tops.
Then roll out another sheet of fondant (I used white for the base and pink for the bow). Cut into strips about 1/4″-1/2″ wide x 2.5″ long. Rub a little water on the ends of each strip and bring these ends together. Press firmly. Sit the loops on their sides and allow them some time to dry.
Once they’re dry, you may need to cut some length from their ends. Next, wet your finger and gently rub water on the edges of 4 loops. Push them together like so:
After giving this some time to dry, wet the bases of 4 more loops. Orient them so that they stick out between the bottom loops:
Once again, give this a little time to dry. And lastly, fashion a small ball by rolling some fondant between your hands. Wet the bottom half of the ball and place it firmly into the middle.
Now carefully remove the bow from your work surface. Wet your finger and rub it gently across the first fondant layer on the cupcake. Place bow onto the moistened fondant and let it set. Voila!
What do your lists look like? What are you always trying to improve at? What are your weaker skills?
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This is why I’ll never be a food stylist. I just don’t have what it takes.
Looks great!
You? The blogger extraordinaire, not having what it takes? Psh. I think not!
Very pretty! I’ve been obsessed with watching Cake Boss lately. Now I want to play with some fondant! Did you have to dye your fondant to get it a pretty pink color?
Indeed, just a few drops of food coloring.
Unfortunately, though, we don’t have dish/cable so I’ve only been able to see a couple of Cake Boss episodes online. But at least Hell’s Kitchen is on regular TV! Love that show.
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