Meringue Powder Buttercream Cookie Frostingglaze Recipe 425

Steps:

• Place the egg whites and sugar into a metal bowl and set over a pan filled with about 2 inches of simmering water. Heat, stirring frequently, until the temperature of the egg whites reaches 140 degrees. They will feel very hot to the touch.
• Transfer the heated egg whites and sugar to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Mix at high speed (or as high as you can go without egg flying out of the bowl) until they have reached their maximum volume, 5 to 10 minutes. Mix on medium or medium-high speed while pinching off small pieces of butter and throwing them in. Mix in vanilla if using. The buttercream may look like it is breaking down, but keep on mixing and it will come back together.

Steps:

• *FROSTING:* Place half of the powdered sugar and the meringue powder in the bowl of an electric mixer. Whisk together well. Turn on mixer (use whip attachment) and, while motor is running, slowly stream in the water. Mix until everything is incorporated. Turn mixer to high speed and whip until stiff peaks form. Add flavorings and mix well. Change to paddle attachment (for stand mixer) or dough hook (for Bosch). If using a hand mixer, use the same beaters you were using before. Add remaining powdered sugar and shortening and whip for 2-3 minutes more. Note: Don't skimp on the whipping time after adding the shortening. You really need to whip it well to prevent separation later. *GLAZE:* Frosting Prep: Making Glaze Glazing is a technique that creates that super-smooth look you see on fancy cookies. Basically, "glaze" is just watered down frosting. Here is a basic how-to for making the glaze. 1. After you have colored all of your frosting, get a small container for each glaze color you will need (clean butter tubs and yogurt containers work great for this and you can throw them away when you are done!). 2. Put the desired colors of frosting in the containers by either mixing the color right in the container or squeezing it from a decorating bag. 3. Add water to the container(s) a few drops at a time, stirring after each addition. A basic rule of thumb for a good consistency is that a drop of the icing should disappear into the mass on the count of 6 or 7. It will be similar in consistency to Elmer's glue: fairly runny, but not so thin that it's hard to control. 4. Keep glaze colors covered while not in use. If your containers do not have lids, I recommend covering them with saran wrap and then a damp towel. 5. The glaze will separate as it sits, so you will need to stir the glaze well before and during use

Steps:

• With a fork, beat together in a small bowl the meringue powder, water, and 2 cups of the sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
• Gradually stir in about 1 1/2 cups additional powdered sugar to make a smooth glaze that is spreadable but not runny. It should have a flowing consistency and be too thin to have ridges when spread.
• Divide into separate bowls if desired before tinting with paste food coloring.
• Use to frost sugar cookies of your choice - or Bloomin' Sugar Cookies (recipe #188686).