Cream of tarter has an additional effect on the fondant in that it helps in crystallization of the sugar into finer crystals. Vinegar helps prevent mold as I remember. It usually takes 2-3 times the amount of organic acid to equal the amount of tarter for the same effect. You can read the pro/cons on both vinegar vs tarter on the web. There is discussion on the web about whether or not tarter and/or vinegar is bad for bees. Tarter has been used in fondant since the 1800's and the bees are still here.
Most recipes are much the same. I have listed some below. What is different is the temperature of the boiling sugar. The top temperature reached will determine the hardness of the fondant. From fudgy (about 234) to rock hard (300+) see chart here.
Beekeeping Fondant Recipe#1, Circa 1921
12 lbs. sugar
1.5 lbs. corn syrup (non flavored, no vanilla)
1.25 quarts water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
Heat mixture to 238 degrees. Add tarter at 230 degrees, mix and boil to 238, cool to 200, whip/stir with spoon or beater till white in color. Note: Whip/stirring is not required, but makes a less dense fondant.
Bee Fondant Recipe #2
10 lbs sugar
2 pints water
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
pinch of salt
Follow previous instructions above, add salt to water before boiling.
Bee Candy or Bulk Fondant for commercial applications
200 lbs sugar
30 lbs honey or corn syrup
2.5 gallons water
1 cup vinegar
Follow basic instructions above.
Quick bee sugar cake
5 lbs sugar
1 cup cold water with 1.5 tsp vinegar added and mixed in
Mix together in large pot well. Place mixture on a candy board or in another container. This will turn into a hard block of sugar much like when a bag of sugar gets wet. No cooking required
Bee marshmallow fondant
10. Roll the finished ball on wax paper and cut to size (about the size of a pollen patty)
How much do you need? Generally, you need 1 pound fondant for every two pounds of honey you are short for winter food. Depending on: how you winter, the number of bees, length of your winter and your temp. zone you will need a "honey" weight of 20-60 pounds. A 8-10 pound "fondant cap" helps guard against starved bees. Near starvation bees can consume small blocks of fondant in just a few days, check often on warm days coming out of winter.
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