Shiny green fondant leaves

Ingredients

• Green fondant
• Gel or paste food coloring in dark and light green
• Clear alcohol or lemon extract (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Leaf cutter
• Paintbrush
• Cornstarch or powdered sugar, to stop the fondant sticking

Step-by-step preparation

1. Dust your work surface with cornstarch or powdered sugar so the fondant doesn’t stick.
2. Roll out the green fondant to a thickness of about 2–3 mm.
3. Add a small amount of dark green gel or paste coloring to the fondant and knead well until the color is even. If the paste gets too dry, add a few drops of clear alcohol or lemon extract to moisten it.
4. Cut out the leaves with the leaf cutter. Make at least 2 leaves for each decoration you want to create.
5. Use a brush to apply a little water or edible glue to the underside of each leaf and stick it onto your cake or dessert.
6. Add a small amount of light green gel or paste coloring to the remaining fondant and knead well until the color is even.
7. Use a brush to apply a little water or edible glue to the top of each leaf.
8. With a modeling tool (or the tip of a knife), mark a few lines on the leaves to make them look more realistic.
9. With a brush, carefully apply the light green fondant along the lines of the leaves to create a shiny, realistic effect.
10. Let the leaves dry for at least 24 hours before adding any other decorations.