Royal Icing

By ctozzi

Ingredients

• 2 large egg whites (or 5 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with a scant
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 pound (16 oz./453g) confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• Food coloring

Preparation

Step 1

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites, sugar and 2 teaspoons water on low speed for 10 minutes.

Add food coloring to achieve the desired color.

Icing needs to have different consistencies, depending on how you use it. For piping, the icing should easily pass through a pastry tip and retain its shape. For spreading, the icing should have the consistency of squeeze-bottle mustard.

If the icing is too thick, add water a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions.

If the icing is too thin, beat 2 to 3 minutes more.