'Tips on choosing the right frosting'

Things you should know about choosing the right frosting:

BUTTERCREAM -- Real buttercream is a smooth creamy icing that works well with many flavoring.  It is made with butter and no vegetable shortening and can be affected by heat and humidity.

GANACHE -- A frosting or filling made from dark chocolate and cream that gives a smooth texture and can be poured, spread or piped.

MARZIPAN -- Like fondant, marzipan is often rolled in sheets for icing.  It is made of ground almonds, sugar and egg whites and is most frequently molded into fruits, shells and flowers.

ROLLED FONDANT -- A soft, pliable mixture used as a final coating over a cake.  It is made of  sugar, corn syrup, glycerin and gelatin.  It is very versatile and can be used to form decorations, but it can not be refrigerated. (click for example)

SUGAR PASTE -- Also known as gum paste or pastillage, it is a fine, stretchable paste that can be rolled very thin and dries to a porcelain finish.  It is excellent for creating flowers and fruit.