I've been buying some quite excellent cakes from 'Love at first Bite' in Chiang Mai.

Their choc cake is covered with a thick layer of some kind of soft/firm fondant.

Unlike most fondants it doesnt absorb moisture and go all runny.

All I can think of is it is made with icing sugar,melted chocolate and oil...but I have no idea. I've looked on the internet but not found anything that appears to be the same.

So with all the experts out there I am sure someone is in the know.

Incidentaly,'Love at first Bite" has a small cafe/bistro and I can fully reccomend them....even rhubard tart!! and a good selection of gateau...,black forest etc

Could it be made out of egg whites?

(for chocolate, just stir melted chocolate into the beaten recipe)

INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup white sugar

* 1/3 cup water

* 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

* 2 egg whites

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whip the egg whites and vanilla to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar mixture while whipping constantly until stiff peaks form, about 7 to 10 minutes. Frost the cake of your choice.