Outstanding Royal Icing

Outstanding Royal Icing Recipe - Meringue Powder, Egg Whites, Cream of Tartar, Confectioners' Sugar

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Royal icing is a versatile and classic icing that is commonly used for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It dries to a hard, smooth finish, making it perfect for intricate designs and decorations.

History

Royal icing has been used for centuries in European baking traditions. It is believed to have originated in England and was traditionally made with egg whites, sugar, and lemon juice. The name "royal icing" is said to have come from its use in decorating royal wedding cakes.

Ingredients

5 tbsp of meringue powder combined with 0.5 cup of water
2 egg whites at room temperature
0.5 tsp of cream of tartar
2 tsp of water
1 lb (454 g) of confectioners' sugar

How to prepare

Place all the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat slowly until they are well combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and continue beating until the icing forms stiff peaks.
If the icing is not stiff enough, add more sugar. If it is too stiff, add a few drops of water.
Use the icing immediately.

Variations

Add a drop of lemon juice for a hint of citrus flavor.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease before making royal icing, as any residue can prevent the icing from forming stiff peaks.

- If you want a pure white icing, use clear vanilla extract instead of regular vanilla extract.

- Royal icing can be colored with gel food coloring to create vibrant hues for decorating.

Serving Suggestions

Royal icing is best used for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It can be piped onto surfaces to create intricate designs and decorations.

Cooking Techniques

Royal icing is typically made using an electric mixer to ensure the ingredients are well combined and the icing forms stiff peaks.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar.

- If you don't have confectioners' sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it becomes powdery.

Make Ahead Tips

Royal icing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to re-whip the icing before using it.

Presentation Ideas

Royal icing can be used to create intricate designs, borders, and decorations on cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Get creative with your piping techniques to make beautiful and unique designs.

Pairing Recommendations

Royal icing pairs well with sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and other baked goods that can be decorated with icing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store royal icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Re-whip the icing before using it to ensure it is smooth and easy to work with.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 0 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 0 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Royal icing is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Royal icing contains egg whites, which may be a common allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Royal icing is a high-carbohydrate, low-fat icing that is commonly used for decorating baked goods.

Summary

Royal icing is a classic icing that is perfect for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create beautiful and intricate designs that will impress your friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a cool autumn day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down through generations in our family. As I sifted through the yellowing index cards and faded pieces of paper, one particular recipe caught my eye. It was for Outstanding Royal Icing.

I had never made royal icing before, but I had always been curious about it. The delicate, glossy finish it gives to cookies and cakes always fascinated me. And this recipe, with its detailed instructions and handwritten notes in the margins, seemed like the perfect place to start.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients. The recipe called for egg whites, powdered sugar, cream of tartar, and a touch of lemon juice. As I measured out each ingredient and mixed them together in a bowl, I could feel a sense of anticipation building within me. I knew that this recipe had the potential to be something truly special.

I followed the instructions carefully, beating the egg whites until they were frothy and then gradually adding in the powdered sugar. The mixture slowly transformed from a thin, opaque liquid to a thick, shiny icing that glistened in the light. I added a dash of cream of tartar and a squeeze of lemon juice, just as the recipe instructed, and watched as the icing took on a beautiful, pearly white hue.

As I dipped a spoon into the icing and lifted it up, I could see that it had reached the perfect consistency – thick enough to hold its shape, but still light and airy. I knew that this was going to be something special.

I carefully spread the icing onto a batch of freshly baked sugar cookies, watching as it set into a smooth, flawless finish. The cookies shimmered in the light, their edges perfectly outlined with the glossy white icing. I couldn't help but smile as I admired my handiwork.

The first bite of a cookie decorated with this Outstanding Royal Icing was pure bliss. The icing was sweet and creamy, with a hint of tanginess from the lemon juice. It melted on my tongue, leaving a lingering sweetness that made me crave more.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly exceptional recipe. This Outstanding Royal Icing had the power to elevate even the simplest of baked goods to something truly extraordinary. And the best part was, I had discovered it right here in my own kitchen, among the treasures of my family's recipe collection.

From that day on, this recipe became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for special occasions and holidays, delighting friends and family with the beautifully decorated treats that I created. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the tradition of this Outstanding Royal Icing to the next generation.

And as I look back on that moment when I first found this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. Each recipe in that old box is a piece of my family's history, a connection to the past that I hold dear.

But this Outstanding Royal Icing holds a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the joy and creativity that can be found in the kitchen, and the ability of a simple recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So whenever I make a batch of this icing, I do so with a sense of reverence and appreciation for the journey that led me to discover it. And with each perfectly decorated cookie that emerges from my oven, I am reminded of the timeless power of a good recipe – to nourish not only the body, but the soul as well.