Not Just Icing on the Cake
It’s not just about icing on the cake; sometimes, it’s ALL about the icing on the cake.
We often refer to things that are not very important in the achievement of a goal, or a bonus to the success that we have obtained, as simply ‘icing on the cake’. For people who know baking and designing cupcakes, the icing is not a mere extra. Often, it gives the cupcake that instant appeal that makes people actually want to reach out and pick it up from among the others on the shelf.
Let’s face it. Even if we make the best tasting cupcake, a regular guy will not pick it up unless it looks appetizing enough. Thus, it is the icing that actually sells the product. As the front liner, the icing needs to be given sufficient attention. It is not really difficult to do, but as a unique form of art, it may require skills and practice.
Frosting, Icing or Glaze
Many people think the terms ‘frosting’, ‘icing’ and ‘glaze’ are interchangeable as they are all sweet blends used to coat or top cupcakes. Well, to some extent, they probably are. However, a purist would beg to differ.
In very strict icing terms, frosting is thicker than icing and icing is thicker than glaze. Frosting is usually made of butter, sugar and milk. It is firm enough to better keep its shape but it still remains soft and smooth to the touch. Icing is typically made of butter, sugar and eggs while glaze is made of powdered sugar and milk or water.
Putting the Icing on the Cake
To facilitate easier discussion, let us just refer to icing and keep in mind that these points can be applied to frosting and glaze, too. A little more care is exercised when handling glaze though, as it has a very thin texture.
There are two common ways to add icing on your cupcake. You can use a spatula or a pastry bag. Most professionally done cupcake decorations are made using a pastry bag. It gives the designer better control especially in making swirls and stripes, which the spatula cannot provide. Spatulas are best used to even out icing on the cupcake. Of course, it is better to have both to be able to take advantage of their unique benefits.
Tips for Icing Cupcakes
Never ice warm cupcakes. The icing will almost certainly melt with the heat from the cupcakes and it will lose its form. When traveling with cupcakes, it is best to use frosting which have been pre-chilled to make it hold its shape longer.
Although you may keep the cupcakes in freezers for 2 to 3 days, they are best eaten on the same day they were made. The icing can change its form and the cupcake may look a little less appetizing.
For variety, you may add flavors to your icing. Among the common favorites are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and banana. You can also experiment and make your own flavors.
The cupcake’s flavor is still the main thing, of course, but the icing flavor is not to be discounted. It really is not just icing on the cake. The icing is the ‘face’ of the cupcake, and this usually spells the difference between passing up or taking a bite.
About the Author
Lisa is an avid home cook who loves to share her favorite recipes with the rest of us. Find all her
cupcake recipes
at www.Cupcake-Creations.com. And be sure to try one of her delicious yet easy
cupcake icing recipes
.
Yuna Kim ♥ 2010 Festa On Ice “Dress Fitting” With. Designer Lee Sang-bong
|
|
VTG Juice Pitcher Cherries Leaf Design Ice Lip Fruit Cherry Red Green Clear $14.99 |
|
|
Candy Maker Duck Design Soft TPR Ice Cube Mold Tray Red $6.75 |
|
|
Brown Unique Fashion Ice cream Design 4GB USB2.0 Flash Drive Disk Brand New Gift $7.54 |
|
|
Brown Unique Fashion Ice cream Design 4GB USB2.0 Flash Drive Disk Brand New Gift $8.20 |
|
|
Ice Lolly Design Battery Powered Blue White Mini Fan $6.15 |
|
|
Vintage Forman (4-Man) Family Hammered Aluminum Ice Bucket Sail Ship Design, VGC $20.49 |
|
|
Grape Pineapple Apple Fruit Design Ice Mold Tray Blue $4.68 |
|
|
Paul Brayton Design Upholstery Fabric 5.875 yds Somerfield Ice Teal $287 Val CR4 $71.97 |
|
|
Paul Brayton Design Upholstery Fabric 25+ yds Somerfield Ice Teal $1,267 Val CR5 $316.97 |
|
|
Pink Ice-Watch Small with Heart design and Silicone Strap LO.PK.S.S $118.49 |
|
|
Plastic Cup + Colorful Ice Cream Design Puzzle Erasers $4.17 |
|
|
Kids Multicolor Ice Cream Design Puzzle Rubber Erasers $3.99 |
|
|
Art Deco Vintage 6 Aluminum ice cream bowls Modernist design Bauhaus 30′s 40′s $39.99 |
|
|
Hook Loop Closure Design Beige Nylon Ice Neck Wrist Band $3.55 |
|
|
Oval Hole Design 1″ Width Blade Ice Paint Decal Removal Scraper $5.46 |
|
|
“BEAR WITH ICE CREAM CONE” RUBBER STAMP ~ CUTE SUMMERTIME BEAR DESIGN ~ YUMM! $2.79 |
|
|
Kids Multicolor Ice Cream Design Puzzle Rubber Erasers $3.82 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Jeep Commando LET’S GO JEEPIN’ Design 3 Shirt Colors $14.95 |
|
|
Oster BCBG08-C 6-Cup Glass Jar 8-Speed Blender, Brushed Nickel $39.50 Brought to you by the #1 Blender brand. A blender that’s anything but basic.Your life isn’t basic. Your blender shouldn’t be either. With this Oster blender you don’t have to sacrifice quality for simplicity. The large capacity, 6-cup glass jar is dishwasher safe and has been Thermal Shock tested so you can pull it out of a steamy dishwasher and safely make a frosty cold beverage right away. The s… |
|
|
Oster 4093 Classic Beehive Blender, Silver $59.50 Give your kitchen a modern appliance with retro styling. Enjoy healthy fruit smoothies in the a.m. and less innocent beverages in the p.m. The continuous speed and pulse along with a stainless steel cutting blade will have your ingredients chopped, blended, and purEed in next to no time…. |
|
|
Blendtec Home The Professional’s Choice Total Blender Smart-touch tec’nology with digital touchpad means when the blending button is pushed a pre-programmed cycle automatically speeds up and slows down to draw ingredients into the blade which spins up to 29,000 RPM and thoroughly blend all the ingredients, then shuts off when the cycle is complete, so recipes will turn out perfect every time. The blending jar is our famous patented square jar design … |
|
|
iPhone 4S Sparkling Glitter Vinyl Antenna Wrap for AT&T , Sprint, and Verizon – Sparkling Silver $9.99 Here at Kellokult, we love our iPhones, and the best thing about them is how every one is unique: everybody has a different combination of apps that change all the time. We thought, why cant we have the outside be just as unique and flexible? Designed for users who want their iPhone to stand out without weighing it down, Kellokult antenna wraps are the perfect highlight to the famous iPhone profil… |
|
|
AT&T iPhone 4 Sparkling Glitter Vinyl Antenna Wrap, Sparkling Silver $9.99 Here at Kellokult, we love our iPhones, and the best thing about them is how every one is unique: everybody has a different combination of apps that change all the time. We thought, why cant we have the outside be just as unique and flexible? Designed for users who want their iPhone to stand out without weighing it down, Kellokult antenna wraps are the perfect highlight to the famous iPhone profil… |
|
|
iPhone 4S Sparkling Glitter Vinyl Antenna Wrap for AT&T , Sprint, and Verizon – Sparkling Turquoise $9.99 Here at Kellokult, we love our iPhones, and the best thing about them is how every one is unique: everybody has a different combination of apps that change all the time. We thought, why cant we have the outside be just as unique and flexible? Designed for users who want their iPhone to stand out without weighing it down, Kellokult antenna wraps are the perfect highlight to the famous iPhone profil… |
|
|
Eco Cup On Ice $4.20 Double walled acrylic cup with screw on lid & straw. Double walled cup keeps hands and table dry from condensation. For cold beverages only. Do not use in dishwasher or microwave. Dimensions: 4″ diameter; 9″ tall with straw… |
|
|
Whirlpool Kenmore Refrigerator Water Valve Kit 4318047 $12.80 Whirlpool Kenmore Refrigerator Water Valve Kit 4318047… |
|
|
LOTS of FOUR Victorian ICE CLEAR Old Town 24% Lead Crystal Handles Pull-Designer’s Collection Oil Rubbed Bronze base $49.95 One purchase is LOTS of FOUR Victorian ICE CLEAR Old Town 24% Lead Crystal Handles Pull-Designer’s Collection Oil Rubbed Bronze base. The Finest ICE CLEAR 24% Lead Crystal Wardrobe/Closet or BiFold Door Bridge Handle Pulls. Add an Old Town Vintage Style Sparkle to kitchen, shutters. dresser, desk or bath with Real Crystal Glass Reproductions of Victorian Originals (not acrylic). The screw holes ar… |
|
|
Kitchen Trends 106 … |
|
|
Ice Yacht $14.32 an ice yacht with runners for gliding on frozen lakes |
|
|
Ice Cream Green $24.9 Ice Cream Green |
|
|
Ice Cream Chocolate $24.9 Ice Cream Chocolate |
|
|
Ice Cream White $24.9 Ice Cream White |
|
|
Jawbreaker Ice-Cream Tee $16.9 Women’s white, fitted tee with three ice-cream on chest + ‘JAWBREAKER’ on the back |
|
|
Ice blue State of Virginia solid Women $25.18 State of Virginia solid,Women, ice blue. |
|
|
Guess Swimwear-String Bikini-On Thin Ice-Guess Bikinis $118 Frost yourself. The On Thin Ice Triangle Bikini by Guess Swimwear. Structured with removable soft cups and adjustable neck and back ties for your comfort. Add extra ice to your look with the gold nail heads and mini mirror detailing. Ice off the summer heat in this designer bikini top.  Color: White. Content: 77% Nylon 23% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A. |
|
|
Ice blue smiling lips with cute love hearts Eco-Friendly Tees $24.22 smiling lips with cute love hearts,Eco-Friendly Tees, ice blue. |
|
|
Navy ice cream sun summer Sweatshirts $22.39 love,heart,obama,twilight,star,sex,man,woman,baby,kid,dj,music,record,amerika,states,dj,sport,car,barbie,flower,moon,holiday,ice,summer,cream,Sweatshirts, navy. |
|
|
Guess Swimwear-Bandeau-G Cut-On Thin Ice-Guess Bikinis $116 Radiant heat. The Guess On Thin Ice Bandeau Bikini Top. Bandeau swimsuits are one of the hot swimwear trends. This U-shaped bandeau bikini top is updated with gold nail heads and mini mirror details. Equipped with removable soft cups and neck and back ties for a look that s both comfortable and stylish.  Color: White. Content: 77% Nylon 23% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A. |
|
|
Brazilian Bikinis-Guess Swimwear-On Thin Ice-Guess Swimsuits $114 Looking for a little extra sparkle this season? Then the On Thin Ice Bandeau Top is just the ticket. This black and gold bikini by Guess Swimwear has a unique U-shape accented with gold nail heads and mini mirrors that will have you glowing almost as much as your summer tan! Color: Black. Content: 77% Nylon 23% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A. |
|
|
String Bikini-Guess Swimwear-On Thin Ice-Guess Swimsuits $120  Melt those frosty glances. The On Thin Ice Triangle Bikini Top by Guess Swimwear. This dazzling Guess bikini features gold nail heads mixed with mini mirror detail. Customize your bling-bling with removable soft cups and adjustable ties at neck and back. Color: Black. Content: 77% Nylon 23% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A. |
|
|
Dellamoda Handbag Maddox ts10-05 Ice Designer bag (DM23) $415 Dellamoda Handbag Maddox ts10-05 Ice Designer bag (DM23) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Dellamoda Handbag Maddox ts10-05 Ice Designer bag (DM23) for $166.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction. |
|
|
Dellamoda Lamb Leather Sasha Sling / Messenger Ice Designer bag (DM10) $360 Dellamoda Lamb Leather Sasha Sling / Messenger Ice Designer bag (DM10) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Dellamoda Lamb Leather Sasha Sling / Messenger Ice Designer bag (DM10) for $144.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction. |
|
|
Dellamoda Handbag Ice ty hobo ts10-16 Designer bag (DM27) $445 Dellamoda Handbag Ice ty hobo ts10-16 Designer bag (DM27) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Dellamoda Handbag Ice ty hobo ts10-16 Designer bag (DM27) for $178.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction. |
|
|
Dellamoda Handbag Large Piper Satchel Designer bag Ice Blue (DM34) $545 Dellamoda Handbag Large Piper Satchel Designer bag Ice Blue (DM34) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Dellamoda Handbag Large Piper Satchel Designer bag Ice Blue (DM34) for $218.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction. |
|
|
Dellamoda Handbag Ice Large Piper xl ts10-11 Designer bag (DM40) $535 Dellamoda Handbag Ice Large Piper xl ts10-11 Designer bag (DM40) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Dellamoda Handbag Ice Large Piper xl ts10-11 Designer bag (DM40) for $214.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction. |
|
|
Designer Girl Ice Beads – Paint Your Own(Pack Of 6) $34 Designer girl ice beads. Paint your own design on beads and charms. Includes: 6 poster paints. For ages 6 and up…. |
|
|
Lil Wayne Quote T-Shirt $21.9 I got ice in my veins, blood in my eyes, hate in my heart, love in my mind |
|
|
What’s the Time? $16.9 A perfect ice-breaker shirt! Gets a lot of attention and you really can cut through the crap and get to the real conversation! |
|
|
How do I look? $16.9 A perfect ice-breaker shirt! Gets a lot of attention and you really can cut through the crap and get to the real conversation! |
|
|
What’s your name? $16.9 A perfect ice-breaker shirt! Gets a lot of attention and you really can cut through the crap and get to the real conversation! |
|
|
Hi, how are you? $16.9 A perfect ice-breaker shirt! Gets a lot of attention and you really can cut through the crap and get to the real conversation! |
|
|
Come here often? $16.9 A perfect ice-breaker shirt! Gets a lot of attention and you really can cut through the crap and get to the real conversation! |
|
|
Oops! My Cock’s Out! Blue/White $18.9 “What better way to break the ice than with an Oops! My Cock’s Out t-shirt? ,,,,The back of the shirt reads, “”Gay Pimpin’ with Jonny McGovern – gaypimp.com”".” |