Just a Little Angry Birds for my Turkey

My little turkey has been asking for an Angry Birds cake for his birthday, so of course I had to oblige.  I saw a good friend post some pictures of a cake she had made for her kiddos (who also have allergies) using something that looked like fondant.  She made the cutest Hungry Caterpillar cake!  I was intrigued!  I emailed her to see what she used.  She sent me a recipe she had used.  I had to tweak it a bit further to make in corn free as well, but it worked!  But a bit of a warning.  Making this fondant is a work out for the arms and hands.  This recipe is based off of this link.

***Note: This recipe needs to be made in advance.  Make sure to refrigerate over night.

• 1 (16 ounce) package miniature marshmallows  (I used these~ AllerEnergy)
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I prefer Frontier Brand vanilla)
• 2 pounds confectioners' sugar, divided (I like to use Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, both use tapioca instead of corn starch)
• Melted butter or shortening for greasing hands. 
• Plastic gloves
• Food Coloring (Seelect is a natural food coloring)

Slowly melt marshmallows in microwave.  I put them in for about 20-30 seconds and then stirred, repeating this process.  AllerEnergy Marshmallows melt very quickly.  Add in vanilla and water, stir until mixed into a smooth consistency.  Add one cup of powdered sugar at a time (reserve one cup for dusting kneading surface.)  Dough will be SUPER sticky.   Grease hands.  Begin kneading dough.  As you knead it, it will become pliable and workable.  Turn out onto powdered sugar surface and keep kneading for about 5-10 minutes.  When you are done, wrap in plastic wrap or place in a Ziploc bag.  Refrigerate overnight.

Take dough out of refrigerator 1 hour before you need to start working with it.  I divided the large chunk into pieces.  I needed 7 colors, so I divided it into seven pieces.  I used plastic glove for this part so that the food coloring wouldn't stain my hands.  I washed the gloves off in between colors to keep them from staining the next color I worked with.  I sprinkled a bit of powdered sugar onto a work surface.  Knead the color into the piece until it is well mixed.  I suggest having plastic baggies ready for each color to keep them from getting dried out on the outside. If dough does get a bit dry as you are working with it, it will quickly soften as you knead the dough.  This dough will dry if left out.

Here are a few pictures of the cake I made for my sweet little turkey.  Love that kid!