What is the difference between whipping cream and whipped cream?
Royal Icing is a pure white icing that dries to a smooth, hard, matte finish. Besides its lovely finish it also colors beautifully which makes it a favorite of professionals who use it not only for frosting cakes and cookies, but also for intricate piping of decorations (flowers, borders, and lettering). It is simply a mixture of powdered (icing or confectioners) sugar, lemon juice, and raw egg whites.Buttercream Icing is an easy to make egg-free frosting that works great for decorating cookies for holidays, birthdays and parties. When you need to add coloring to icing, use color paste. If you use liquid coloring, you may need to add more confectioner's sugar."Recipes for both follow:Buttercream Icing:* 1/2 cup shortening* 1/2 cup butter, softened* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract* 4 cups confectioners' sugar* 2 tablespoons milkDIRECTIONS1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.Royal Icing Using Egg Whites:2 large egg whites2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice3 cups (330 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, siftedRoyal Icing Using Meringue Powder:4 cups (440 grams) confectioners' (powdered or icing) sugar3 tablespoons (30 grams) meringue powder1/2 teaspoon extract (vanilla, lemon, almond)1/2 - 3/4 cup (120 - 180 ml) warm waterNote: Food Coloring (I use Gel Pastes that can be found at cake decorating and party stores or else on-line)For Royal Icing with Egg Whites: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.For Royal Icing with Meringue Powder: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder until combined. Add the water and beat on medium to high speed until very glossy and stiff peaks form (5 to 7 minutes). If necessary, to get the right consistency, add more powdered sugar or water. To cover or 'flood' the entire surface of the cookie with icing, the proper consistency is when you lift the beater, the ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl remains on the surface of the icing for a few seconds before disappearing.The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.Makes about 3 cups