Royal/Regal/Ready to roll-all the same? HELP!

[iluvcake]

Am trying to craft some shapes for the top of my son's birthday cake and the ready to roll icing I've bought keeps collapsing. Will it harden or do I need to add something to it?

Ready-roll is soft, play-do-like icing. It will not really set or harden, other than just the outermost surface.

Regalice is a brand-name for the same thing. You can get it in blocks, or rolled out in a sheet.

Royal icing is completely different stuff. It is icing with a buttercream-like texture, that will set rock-solid.

What exactly are you trying to do?

I'm trying to make some science test tubes and a beaker etc. I've put some wire through the tube bit but it keeps keeling over!

No, you won't be able to make hollow tubes or freestanding things with shop-bought icing. You would need specialist modelling icing, which sets hard, rather than just drying out on the surface.

Ah, like sugar paste-is that for modelling? I'm not trying to make hollow tubes-just a sausage shape-but even that might not work I suppose/

sugar paste is roll-out/ready to roll

You need flower paste or marshmallow fondant to model with. Try this recipe marshmallow fondant its really easy to make and sets up pretty firm as it cools. Have fun

Thanks for the replies! The marshmallow fondant looks great. I'm going to try that. Could I paint the white stuff with a bit of colour instead of kneading it in? I just want to test tube to look like it's got some liquid in the bottom.

Tried to marsh fondant but had to half the amounts as didn't have enough ingredients and it didn't work. Couldn't get the marshmallows to mix in with the icing sugar-arrrggghhh!

will try again with correct amounts.

Yes you can paint it. Did the marshmallows stay solid? If so, you didn't heat them enough. Good luck trying again, its fairly easy to make

Hi. Yes, I don't think I heated them enough! Might have another go but my kitchen was like a icing sugar bomb had exploded earlier and I was about to lose the plot-not sure if I can stand the mess again!

Thanks for the tip though!!