Royal Icing

Directions

1. 1
   In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar, meringue powder, and a scant 1/2 cup water on low speed.
2. 2
   Beat until mixture is fluffy yet dense, 7 to 8 minutes.
3. 3
   To thin the icing for flooding (filling in areas with a thin layer of icing), stir in additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
4. 4
   Test the consistency by lifting a spoonful of icing and letting it drip back into the bowl; a ribbon should remain on the surface for 5 to 7 seconds.
5. 5
   To tint icing, dip a toothpick or wooden skewer into food coloring, and gradually mix it in until the desired shade is reached.