Royal Icing

Introduction

History

Royal icing has been used for centuries in European baking and decorating traditions. It is believed to have originated in England and was traditionally made with egg whites, confectioners' sugar, and sometimes lemon juice or cream of tartar.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Notes

1. If desired, divide the icing among smaller bowls and add coloring(s).
2. To store icing for later use:
3. Clean the inner sides of the bowl or container to remove any drips.
4. Place a dampened paper towel directly on the surface of the icing and then cover the bowl very tightly with plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate up to 5 days.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh egg whites for the best results in royal icing.

- Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment for best results in achieving the desired consistency.

- Add food coloring sparingly to achieve the desired color, as royal icing can be sensitive to liquid additions.

Serving Suggestions

Royal icing is best used for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It can be piped onto sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, or used to create intricate designs on cakes.

Cooking Techniques

Royal icing is typically made by beating egg whites and confectioners' sugar together until stiff peaks form. It can be used for piping lines, flooding, and creating intricate designs.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream of tartar can be substituted with lemon juice or vinegar.

- Confectioners' sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar that has been ground into a fine powder.

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 re-whip before using.

Presentation Ideas

Royal icing can be used to create intricate designs, patterns, and decorations on cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Get creative with piping tips and techniques to create stunning designs.

Pairing Recommendations

Royal icing pairs well with sugar cookies, gingerbread, 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 before using to restore the desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 60 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of royal icing contains approximately 1 gram 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 an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

Royal icing is a classic and versatile icing that is perfect for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create stunning designs and decorations for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a sunny afternoon in the spring of 1965 when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been tucked away in the back of my pantry for years. The book had belonged to my own grandmother, a woman who had always been a source of inspiration for me in the kitchen.

As I flipped through the pages, I came across a section on royal icing. I had heard of this delicate and versatile icing before, but I had never attempted to make it myself. The recipe seemed simple enough, calling for just a few basic ingredients – powdered sugar, egg whites, and a splash of lemon juice. But the instructions were precise, emphasizing the importance of whipping the egg whites until they formed stiff peaks and then gradually adding in the powdered sugar to create a smooth and glossy icing.

I was intrigued by the challenge of mastering this seemingly elusive technique, and I decided to give it a try. I gathered my ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen, the scent of vanilla and sugar filling the air as I mixed and whipped and folded. It took several attempts to get it just right, but when I finally achieved the perfect consistency – a thick, smooth icing that held its shape and dried to a beautiful matte finish – I knew I had unlocked a culinary treasure.

Over the years, I have refined and perfected my royal icing recipe, experimenting with different flavorings and colors to create a rainbow of decorative possibilities. I have used it to adorn cakes and cookies for birthdays, weddings, and holidays, each delicate brushstroke a testament to the care and dedication that goes into every batch.

But beyond its visual appeal, royal icing holds a special place in my heart because of the memories and traditions that are woven into its creation. I remember teaching my own children and grandchildren how to make it, passing down the knowledge and love that have been handed down to me through generations.

I think back to my own grandmother, the woman whose cookbook sparked my curiosity and set me on this path of culinary exploration. I can still picture her standing at her kitchen counter, her hands deftly shaping dough and frosting cookies with a practiced ease that comes only from years of experience. She was a master in the kitchen, a magician of flavors and textures who could turn the simplest ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

I remember the way she would tell stories as she cooked, recounting the history and origins of each recipe as if it were a beloved family heirloom. She had a knack for making even the most mundane tasks feel like a grand adventure, and I often found myself lost in her tales as I helped her chop vegetables or stir a simmering pot on the stove.

I remember the way she would let me taste a spoonful of batter or a dollop of frosting, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she watched my face light up with delight. She had a way of making me feel like the most important person in the world, as if my presence in her kitchen was a gift to be cherished and celebrated.

And so, as I continue to whip up batches of royal icing in my own kitchen, I carry with me the spirit and legacy of my grandmother – a woman whose love and passion for cooking have left an indelible mark on my own culinary journey. I may have stumbled upon this recipe by chance, but I know now that it was no accident. It was a gift, a legacy, a connection to the past that continues to shape the present and inspire the future.

And so, as I swirl and pipe and decorate with my royal icing, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a soul overflowing with love. For in this simple mixture of sugar and eggs and lemon juice, I have found not just a recipe, but a story – a story of family and tradition, of love and laughter, of joy and creation. And that, my dear ones, is the true magic of cooking.

Categories

| American Recipes | Frosting And Icing Recipes |

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