Bread & Pastries/icings

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Expert: Elyse Grau - 2/21/2010


Question
Dear Elyse:  I want to make some petits four, for Easter and some to send by mail to friends. Can I use a something beside meringue powder when making the buttercream icing for a first coat? Or do I have to even use the buttercream and just use a quick pour fondant icing?  I want to make these ornate with flowers and decorations, so I want to be able to ship them across country without them crushing when they arrive. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer
Darlene:
Actually, I've never seen petit fours iced with a buttercream frosting, I would go with the fondant. The decorations can be made with decorator's icing, which cna be made with meringue powder or fresh egg whites. If you're concerned about using raw eggs, then the powdered would be the best choice.

Elyse

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Elyse Grau

Expertise

I can answer any questions about baking. The only thing I'm not too good at is baking pies, nor do I know much about high altitude baking.

Experience

I have been baking for over 30 years. One of my hobbies is creating recipes, most of those for baked goods. I made my own wedding cake. Currently I prefer to bake healthier things. I use a lot of whole wheat and other whole grain flours, and prefer to use less sugar or sugar substitutes in my baking. I do a lot with fruit.

Publications
Hobby Farms Home Gardening How-to BackHome Creswell Chronicle

Education/Credentials
none that apply

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