How Far In Advance Can I Make Royal Icing?
Decorating By Momof3boys Updated 15 Jul 2006 , 12:59am by Momof3boys
I need to make royal icing (first time) for my Course 2 class on Tuesday night. I wanted to make it ahead of time just in case I have problems with it. Can I make it on Saturday and put it in an airtight container until Tuesday? This will be my first experience with royal. Thanks.
Yes you can. I made royal icing stars for 4th of july on friday - let them dry, then sealed them up and they were wonderful on tuesday. I'm under the impression that you can seal them well for a very long time
You can store mixed royal icing for a very, very long time. I make it up when I need it, put it in an airtight container (marked royal with the date made) and put it in a ziploc bag in the fridge. I've had it keep 4 months that way with no problems--I guess it could go longer, but I used it up before I could find out. I kept it at room temp the same way and found "growth" on it at about month 4--that was a deliberate experiment 
When you take stored royal out of the fridge, it will usually be loose and airy--unlike when first made. Ideally, you should put it in the mixer and re-beat it until it is stiff and mat-finished again. If you have too little to put back in the mixer, you can spread it out on a very clean counter, silpat, or piece of vinyl, and smooth it repeatedly with a spatula--effectively forcing the air out of it. You then scoop it up into your decorating bag and you should be good to go.
Obviously, fresh is always best--I tend to make half batches if I know I'll only need a small amount right away.
Rae
Thanks everyone for your help. I appreciate it.
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