SusieJ's Advent Calendar December 19, 2010

Decorating: Are classes worth it?

My short answer is yes. Especially with a big decorating project (wedding cake) coming up.

Skills as physical as decorating are hard to learn from written instructions, particularly finding the right icing consistency, forming flowers and color flow (that's the hard, smooth icing so popular on cookies these days). It's easier to understand when you can see how it's done, and the instructor can correct any mistakes.

You also get homework, which forces you to practice, practice, practice.

[Wheelbarrow in the snow, 2010]On the other hand, the most important thing I learned from decorating class was icing texture. When you buy a decorating kit, the instruction booklet mentions using soft, medium or stiff icing, but never defines them or gives a recipe. I will now share the secret of the icing:

Start beating the shortening on low speed. Disolve the salt in the vanilla and water. Add water-salt mixture to the shortening and beat until incorporated. Increase mixer speed and beat on high until fluffy. Scrape bowl down.

Reduce mixer speed to low and add the shortening by heaping tablespoonfuls to keep it from blowing all over the kitchen. When the sugar is incorporated, increase mixer speed to high and beat until fluffy.

Make three cups of stiff icing. To make medium consistency icing, increase water to two tablespoons; for soft consistency (used mostly for writing and frosting), increase water to three tablespoons.