It was with the plain fondant that Betsey could make the greatest variety of candies. Every combination that she had made with the uncooked foundation cream (see pages [92]-[94]) Betsey made with the plain fondant.
When she had made Neapolitan Cream Squares (see page [95]) Betsey's mother had bought some of the color pastes which came from an old established firm, were quite pure and harmless, and made according to government regulations.
So Betsey had these to use, and again she used the pretty harmless colorings as told on page [95].
These color pastes last for a very long time, since very small quantities are used, just a drop or two being sufficient.
Before Betsey finished her lessons in candy making, especially when she made the fondants, mother's stock of flavorings had very much increased, for Betsey used vanilla, orange, lemon, almond, oil of peppermint, wintergreen, violet, rose and peach.
In fact Betsey became such a little expert in her candy making that Betsey's father said it seemed a foolish waste of money for him to buy the usual box of Saturday candy when he much preferred his own little daughter's concoctions.
Mother thought this too good an opportunity to let pass and suggested that he give the amount he usually spent each week to Betsey, and leave his order with her.
Father was glad to agree and Betsey was delighted and proud to think he thought her capable enough.
This enabled Betsey to form a general supply fund with which to purchase extras in the way of different kinds of nuts, candied cherries, dates, figs, raisins, etc.