I fired up my trusty KA last night to make a batch of royal icing, but within a few moments, it was obvious something was odd ... it was a most unappetizing shade of gray. The longer I beat it, the paler the color became, so it's pretty much white now, but ....

It was a new RI recipe in which I beat the meringue powder and water BEFORE adding sugar ... has anyone had this happen? Do you think it's usable? This has never happened before. I tried a new batch and the same thing happened.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks.

Hmm.....It may be a reaction of the meringue with the metal bowl. When I was taught to make RI with egg white I was specifically told to use a glass or Pyrex bowl. If still too grey after beating add a touch of blue food color. (Another thought, is your KA leaking oil?)

Try mixing it by hand in a glass bowl either with a fork or with a hand held beater and let us know how it turns out.

HTH