Icing Basics-Tools and Equipment
Decorating Bags/Piping Bags
Reusable polyester bags, plastic disposable bags and parchment paper cones can all be used to pipe a variety of icings and fillings.
Coupler
A coupler is a two part device that allows you to change decorating tips without changing the bag. The two parts of the coupler are the base and the ring.
Put the base inside the end of the piping bag. Fit the decorating tip over the part of the coupler that sticks out of the bag. Screw the ring over the tip to secure.
A coupler is a two part device that allows you to change decorating tips without changing the bag. The two parts of the coupler are the base and the ring.
Put the base inside the end of the piping bag. Fit the decorating tip over the part of the coupler that sticks out of the bag. Screw the ring over the tip to secure.
Piping Tips
Piping tips come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two basic sets used in the bakery are called the plain and star tip. Additional tips are available for specific decorating such as basketweave, leaf, petal and drop flower tips. Tip sizes are marked on the side of the tip. The higher the tip number, the larger the opening.
Basic Tips and Designs
Star Tip- #16 and #21-Star, Shell, Zig Zag
Round-#2 and #12-Oultline, Vines and Stems, Dots, Writing
Star Tip- #16 and #21-Star, Shell, Zig Zag
Round-#2 and #12-Oultline, Vines and Stems, Dots, Writing
Filling a Piping Bag
- Prepare piping bag using a coupler and desired piping tip.
- While holding the bag with one hand, fold over the top of the piping bag to form a collar.
- Using a palate knife or spatula, fill bag no more than 2/3 full. This will prevent excess from squeezing out the top.
- Remove icing from the spatula by squeezing the bag with your thumb and fingers against the spatula and pulling the spatula out.
- Close the bag by unfolding the cuff and twisting the bag closed. Apply gently pressure to force the icing down the bag and removing any additional air pockets that might be remaining in the bag. Tie the end with an elastic band.
Care and Cleaning Tips For Piping Bags and Tips
With proper cleaning and care, your bags and tips should last you for many years to come
1. Icing is high in fat. Remove as much icing and residue as you can before cleaning with soapy water.
2. Always use hot water to clean your bag. Cold water will solidify any remaining icing.
3. Ensure that tips and bags are washed separately. Remove tips and clean using a small wire brush. Invert bags and scrub the surface using a hot soapy cloth.
4.Air dry or towel dry bags and tips completely before storing. Tips will develop rust if stored when wet and bags will develop mold and could become a food safety risk.
With proper cleaning and care, your bags and tips should last you for many years to come
1. Icing is high in fat. Remove as much icing and residue as you can before cleaning with soapy water.
2. Always use hot water to clean your bag. Cold water will solidify any remaining icing.
3. Ensure that tips and bags are washed separately. Remove tips and clean using a small wire brush. Invert bags and scrub the surface using a hot soapy cloth.
4.Air dry or towel dry bags and tips completely before storing. Tips will develop rust if stored when wet and bags will develop mold and could become a food safety risk.