Instructions for pictures on cakes using my glaze method - Kathyf

Frost your cake and smooth with wax paper as soon as the icing has crusted slightly. You can transfer a design/picture to
the cake using a projector, airbrush or by using a pattern made by poking holes in paper placed over styrofoam with a
corsage pin. Use a tip 1, 2, 3 or 4 to outline the design on the cake. The larger tips are easier to draw with, but with the
smaller ones you can make a more detailed design. As soon as the outline is dry enough so you can touch it without it
sticking, lightly flatten it with your finger. This prevents the glaze or gel from leaking under the outline when you fill it
in.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

You can fill it in right away but it is easier to work with if you wait 2 hours or longer. It will also prevent colors from bleeding
together if the outline is dry before filling it in.

I use a glaze made from 2 lbs. powdered sugar, 1 T clear vanilla, 1/2 t. almond flavoring, 1/4 t salt and 3/4 c water. The
amount of water can vary. Mix it to a consistency that works best for you. A good guideline is when a small amount of the
glaze is dropped back into the bowl, it takes 3-6 seconds for it to disappear. The thinner glaze is easier to pipe into the
design, but a thicker glaze is needed if you are using it on a cupcake with a surface that's not level. If your glaze is thin you
need to be careful filling in the design or it will overflow the outlines. It crusts quickly, so complete one area at a time,
working from the outside to the center of each section.

 The glaze can be put in a disposable decorating bag with a small hole cut in the end or piped from a parchment cone. I use
disposable bags with a hole the size of a # 1 tip.  Close the top of the bag tightly with a rubber band. The glaze can be kept
refrigerated for several weeks or frozen for several months. Parchment is more economical if you only use this method
occasionally. If the glaze is saved it will separate in the bags. Pinch the open end of the bag and knead the bag to re mix it. A
small piece of tape can be placed over the end when storing the bags to prevent the glaze from leaking.

Petal or luster dusts can be mixed with lemon extract and painted onto the glazed areas after they are dry. It takes 2-8 hours
for it to dry enough to be painted on. Smaller areas dry quickly. Larger areas take longer. If you attempt to paint on them
before they are dry the glaze will dent.

Make sure you use good support under your cake when  using the glaze. If the cake board bends the glaze surface will
crack.