Storing Icing Tubes While Working?
Baking By OneCreativeCookie Updated 26 Feb 2011 , 6:34am by gingerbreadtogo
How do you all store your icing tubes while you are working. I can't store them tip-down b/c the icing will run out the bottom, so I tip them upright and stick them in a small glass. I'm wondering if there is a better way.
I used to leave my runny icings tip down on a wet paper towel at the bottom of a glass. It made a major mess, but it was the best I could do at the time. Now I'm transitioning to bottles for flood icing so there's nothing to worry about with those in this respect. For thicker icings, I'll either just leave them on the table with the tips covered by a wet paper towel or I'll use the Wilton Decorating Bag Holder if I think of getting it out.
I'm still feeling my way around and figuring out better ways of doing things, so someone out there will probably have some better ideas.
I just use a small plate and when I lay down the icing on the counter I rest the tip on the edge of plate so it is pointing up a little.
I used to leave my runny icings tip down on a wet paper towel at the bottom of a glass. It made a major mess, but it was the best I could do at the time. Now I'm transitioning to bottles for flood icing so there's nothing to worry about with those in this respect. For thicker icings, I'll either just leave them on the table with the tips covered by a wet paper towel or I'll use the Wilton Decorating Bag Holder if I think of getting it out.
I'm still feeling my way around and figuring out better ways of doing things, so someone out there will probably have some better ideas.
Do you use a single consistency of icing for pipe and flood? I have a few squeeze bottles, but found them frustrating to use with the flood I use (which, I guess isn't really flood) since I use the same for outline and flood to avoid the visable outline... I'm wondering if I should give the bottles a go again though 
I feel the same way about "feeling my way around"...I've come to a place where I am generally happy with my process and results, but often wonder "isn't there a better way?!?!?"
Thanks for your input!
Since I started making icing bullets, this has ceased to be an issue (bullet = icing wrapped in saran wrap, twisted at the ends). I clip the end off the bullet and insert it into my piping bag with tip already attached. Saves clean up, faster process, and I don't worry about where to keep my icing....
What was frustrating about the bottles?
I found them challenging to load and felt like I couldn't use every last bit of the icing in the bottles (I squeeze my bags until they are absolutely empty 
)...
Plus, since I use one consistency of icing for all of my work (except lettering), I would like to be able to change tips - I know you can buy bottles w/ couplers, but I don't presently have that kind of bottle.
Since I started making icing bullets, this has ceased to be an issue (bullet = icing wrapped in saran wrap, twisted at the ends). I clip the end off the bullet and insert it into my piping bag with tip already attached. Saves clean up, faster process, and I don't worry about where to keep my icing....
How does that work with royal or glaze? I know it works for BC.
I used a disposable water bottle to load my bottles. I cut it half and use the top part as a funnel. I use the bottom part to rest my bottles in upside down when I'm not using them so I don't have to wait for the icing to flow down to the tip. Doing it this way I can get all but a tip full of icing out of the bottle.
Yeah, the bottles that let you change the tip are the way to go for this, if you can. I have other squeeze bottles and I like them less because of that.
I saw a video of someone using a paint brush for flooding. Has anyone tried that? I'm still trying to get the consistency right so I can decorate the cookies....haven't been able to get that right yet. Help!
Lisabeth, Have you tried to thin the icing so when you lift with spoon (or whatever) and let it stream back into icing- it should remix in 10 seconds? I outline and flood with same consistancy. I pipe icing for flood and I do use a paintbrush to spread the icing . FYI-I only use Royal Icing..
Practice, practice,practice...Good Luck
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