Makes just over 1-1/4 cups icing
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Especially for use with India Tree Natural Decorating Colors. Decorate to your heart’s content using Royal Icing tinted with India Tree Natural Decorating Colors–alone or in combination with other India Tree decorative products, e.g., Sanding Sugar, Sparkling Sugar, and Party Decoratifs, or with India Tree Nature’s Colors Sugars and Sprinkles.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups India Tree Powdered Sugar (One 12-oz package)
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1 tablespoon meringue powder (.225 oz)
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1/4 cup HOT water* (2 oz)
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Drops India Tree Nature’s Colors Decorating Colors
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl
- Standup mixer with whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups – dry
- Measuring cup – liquid
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter
- Metal offset spatula
- Pastry bags and fitments and/or assorted squeeze bottles
Notes
We recommend HOT water because it aids in dissolving the sugar, which in turn aids in dispersing colors evenly and in preventing color separation.
It is best, to begin with, a few drops at a time of any color and to stir well after each addition, remembering that each shade will deepen as it dries.
Because natural colors will vary depending on the icing recipe used, we have created both a creamed frosting and a royal icing recipe intended to give you the best results.
Storing Icing
Royal Icing will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer. When using icing from the freezer, thaw it first in the refrigerator, then stir it thoroughly before using.
Decorating
Sprinkle decorations on while the icing is still damp and allow to set before stacking decorated cookies for storage. Try India Tree Nature’s Colors My Party, Funny Valentine, or Rainbow Decorating Sugar.
Instructions
- Measure the sugar and meringue powder into a medium-sized bowl.
- Sift the sugar/meringue powder mixture into the bowl of a standup mixer with a whisk attachment, approximately one-half cup at a time. Use the back of a large spoon to break up any clumps and force the sugar through the sieve.
- Add HOT water* to the meringue powder and sugar, a little at a time, while mixing at medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often. Continue mixing, until the icing forms peaks when the whisk is lifted out.
- Transfer the stiff icing into an airtight container. Use immediately or store at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer.
- Stir to restore original consistency, but do not beat again. While working with royal icing, cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Coloring
- Divide the stiff icing into separate bowls for each color. Icing should be at room temperature when color is added.
- Consult our India Tree Nature’s Colors Royal Icing Coloring Guide for help in creating various colors.
- Colors should be at room temperature. Shake each vial of coloring vigorously before each use.
- Add India Tree Natural Decorating Colors a few drops at a time, stirring well with the flexible spatula after each addition.
- When you have achieved the desired color, stir, stir, and stir again, scraping the bottom and sides of the container with the spatula, making certain that the color is distributed throughout the icing.
- To thin the icing for flooding, add more HOT water, a few drops at a time. After each addition of water, repeat the process in Step 5.
