Basic Fondant

Photo: flickr user Nikchick

Ingredients

5 cups sugar

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon flavoring (optional)

1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Preparation

Combine all ingredients (except last 2) in large saucepan, stir until sugar is moistened. Place over high heat-bring to a boil, then gradually lower candy thermometer into boiling syrup. Cook without stirring, lowering heat slightly as mixture thickens. Cook to 236 degrees; pour onto marble slab and cool to lukewarm. Work fondant back and forth with spatula until fondant turns creamy white. Then knead with hands until it is very smooth adding nuts and flavoring if desired. Form into a ball, let rest, form into 3/4 inch balls. Dip into chocolate. To sto