Icings

Sweet toppings, most often for cakes and biscuits. The simplest icings mix icing sugar with water. Butter or margarines, egg whites, and colourings may join the mix as extra ingredients — producing buttercreams, royal icing, and fondant. Because many icings are high in sugar and low in moisture, they keep well; but those containing egg white or dairy need the same care as any perishable filling, including refrigeration and limited holding times at ambient temperature. Sifting icing sugar before use removes lumps and gives icings their flawless finish.