DessertsThe icing
When you admire a cake, you admire it before tasting it! But most of the time, the reason why you marvel at the cake on the table is because of the icing! No cake decoration is complete without the icing and this can be an absorbing pastime. Create new types of cake decoration every time you bake a cake which can be perfected with more and more practice.
Icing should be made just before spreading on a cake, therefore the cake must be cooled well.
The recipe for the icing is very simple.
All you need are the following ingredients:
1 bag confectioners" sugar (icing sugar/powered sugar) - sifted
1 cup shortening
1 teaspoon almond extract.
You beat this mixture in a bowl using an electric hand beater at low speed for about a minute then on high speed for 5 minutes.
In case you find that the icing is turning too thick, add a few drops of water a bit at a time, making sure the icing mixture does not get too thin. Overtly thin texture makes the icing impossible for decoration.
If you require completely white icing the shortening should never be substituted by butter or margarine because the icing would turn off -white in color and be more of a cream color.
If you want a cream colored icing then the recipe would be
1 cup butter at room temperature
1 bag confectioners sugar (icing sugar/powered sugar) sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence
Beat and mix as per the instructions above.
For spreading the icing on the cake, use a knife with a long blade. This would result in smooth icing. In case you find that there are further areas which need smoothing, dip the knife in hot water and then glide it over the uneven areas very lightly.
Once you have finished icing the cake, wipe any excess from the cake board or plate with a damp paper towel.
I find that cakes can be iced and decorated one day before serving, and please do not refrigerate. Instead store, uncovered in a cool place that is not in direct sunlight.
So now you have the story about the Icing On the Cake. Not only does an iced cake add Flair to your table, but it is the easiest thing to do!
For more information in Cake Frosting and Icing please go to
http://www.frostingandicingrecipes.com
http:// www.bakecakesnow.com