Icing a Damask pattern

Hey Karen,
I usually dye my royal icing just using black americolor. I tend to do it a few hours before I need it because as it sits it will darken. I am still working on the crispness factor when stencling but a great tip I saw somewhere was to use small pins to hold your stencil in place an remove them as you get to the area you need to ice. Royal Bakery had a note about stenciling on her facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/notes/royal-bakery/stenciling-tutorial/256019364419371).

I hope this helps!

We just practiced royal icing stencils at our cake club meeting last week. Consistency of the icing is key, not too thick or icing will clump to thin it will run under your stencil. We did do the “pin” trick. Some preferred just holding the stencil with there hand. I found the pin got in my way…too each there own. Removing the stencil, pull off quickly & steady. I have made my RI with both pasteurized egg whites and meringue powder. Both worked well. A tiny drop of glycerin…just a drop, helps keep RI smooth. Best advice..practice on a fondant covered dummy. I’m still not 100%. But I know it’s because I need to practice more..

Hi everyone, thank you for you fantastic tips and techniques !! I knew you would have the answer……..I’m going to be doing a lot of practicing xxx

Hi Karen… I have also used the Creative brand paste colour in black… it is nice and solid…
http://www.thecookingcompany.com.au/bakeware/14557-food-colour-paste-blackgrey-20g.php

Hi Julez, that sounds a better option……and also sounds easier too xx

Hi, have you considered using a mold for the damask pattern? Fabulous Moulds has a fantastic one that would make your life so much easier. I bought it and it’s great! You would use fondant instead of Royal Icing and the pattern is consistent throughout the cake. Just a thought.

Karen… I use the black paste to colour my royal icing…. (I still make mine with eggwhites)…

Whenever I color RI black I always add green, it helps me get a true black faster/less color

Hi Fun Fiesta Cakes, Allwaysjulez and Dessert by Design. Thank you so much for your great help xx Going to look at the mould option, and also going to practice on a cake dummy with RI using the home made method with some green and black in too xx Looking forward to seeing what it comes out like xx

Post your results Karen. :o)