Allow the syrup to cool until it feels only slightly warm, not cold, to the back of the hand, then remove the bars if the slab is used, and begin to work it with the scraper or broad knife by lifting it from the sides to the center. Keep working it rapidly, and it will soon become smooth and creamy; then a little later it will turn into a solid lump of sugar, and you will find when working a portion between the fingers that it becomes soft and will be perfectly smooth.
If wanted for immediate use, cover it with a damp cloth for about forty minutes, when it can be worked into a very soft, pliable mass.If wanted for future use, it should be put into an earthen jar and covered with a damp cloth. In this way the fondant may be kept for six months or longer without deteriorating. The cloth must be kept damp, and should be rinsed out of cold water two or three times each week.
The cloth must not touch the fondant.This fondant will be a little better if it stands for two or three days before using.Make up a batch of this fondant, keep it on hand, and it can be converted into any one of many different varieties of candy in a few minutes, or it may be used for icing. (See “Fondant Icing.”) If a batch of the fondant should be spoiled in making, it can be broken up and used instead of other sugar in one of the fudge recipes.the kettle down close, beginning at one side of the enclosure made by the iron bars and drawing the kettle towards the other side as the syrup is being poured. Do not scrape the last from the kettle, and do not allow the kettle to drain too much. The drippings are likely to sugar, and will make the entire batch grainy.
