Plain Fondant

4 cups granulated sugar

1 cup boiling water

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Put sugar in a smooth, clean saucepan, add boiling water, and stir until dissolved; heat slowly to boiling point, add cream of tartar, and boil without stirring to 240° F., or until syrup will form a soft ball when tested in cold water. As syrup granulates around the sides of saucepan, wash down with a clean brush which has been dipped quickly into cold water; pour out upon a slightly oiled slab or large platter; as the edges begin to harden, turn them toward the center, and when the mixture is partly cooled work with a wooden spatula or butter paddle until creamy; when it begins to lump, knead with the hands until smooth. Let stand a few hours before using, or keep in a covered jar until needed.

Coffee Fondant

Follow recipe for Plain Fondant (see No. 684), using strong, clear coffee in place of water. Or, if only a small quantity is needed, melt plain fondant over hot water and add one teaspoon of instantaneous coffee to each cup. This may be used melted for mints, or for dipping, or, when cooled, for centers.

Fondant Mints

Put Plain Fondant (see No. 684) in cups, melt over hot water, and flavor with a few drops of oil of spearmint, wintergreen, orange, lime, or any desired flavor; color lightly if desired, and drop from a teaspoon upon an oiled slab or platter.

Quick Fondant

Break the white of an egg into a bowl, add a tablespoon of water and about two cups of confectioners' sugar, or enough to knead. Flavor with oil, extracts, or grated orange or lemon rind, and color as desired. Use for mints (rolled and cut), stuffing dates, prunes, cherries or nuts, or for bonbon centers.