I thought it would be fun to document the decorating process as it goes along. I’m pretty sure I’m not showing (or telling) most of you anything you didn’t already know but humor me. I thought it might be fun.

I made these cookies to take to a friends boat party this weekend. I don’t usually bring my own cookies to parties I’m attending, but this particular cookie begged to be taken.

Each cookie, no matter what style, first needs to be outlined in each color chosen for that particular cookie. This process is best done before too much coffee is consumed as a steady hand is always a plus. This can be a lengthy process depending on how many colors are to used and the amount of detail each cookies requires. This design isn’t so bad and only used 4 colors.

Now comes the flooding. I thin each color of the royal icing with water to make it the consistency of maple syrup. I squeeze the desired amount of color into the designated color area and smooth it with a paint brush. For the most part, the icing is now “self leveling” and the outlining done earlier makes for an easy transition between colors. The paint brush also helps to pop the little bubbles that have formed in the icing during mixing. No matter how hard I try, I can never get all the air bubbles out of the icing. I’ve stopped stressing about that a while back.

This next step is an attention to detail that I find is of utmost importance. After the flood coat for each color is dry, I then go back and re-outline what was originally outlined in that first step. Sometimes it’s done in the same colors used, and sometimes it’s done in a totally different color (as shown on this design). The reason I find this so important is because it defines the space and neatens up the entire appearance of each cookie. Yes, this process is lengthy, and at this point my back and legs are starting to ache, but it is sooo worth the extra effort.

The rocks at the base of this lighthouse were just squeezed out of piping bag cut with a larger size opening. Wiggling the icing out to form the rocks is fast and fun. No steady hand needed. Yay!

When the rocks have sufficiently dried (at least an hour), I then go back in with food coloring diluted with enough water to make a color wash. Brushing on the color wash is surprisingly fun and adds such dimension to the rocks. I also used a thin paint brush liner to paint the window panes at the top of the lighthouse. Whew, they’re finished (for the most part). We just need another few hours of drying time and the cookies will be ready to be bagged and tied with pretty little bows.

There is a great deal of satisfaction I get when seeing the finished product all boxed up and ready. This is the time I forget the sore and achy muscles in my hands, back and legs and focus on how the cookies will help to make someones celebration or party even that much more special! Sweet!!! Now it’s time to go wash the dishes!

Fondly Yours,
Renee of Kudos Kookies

Ok, here goes nothing (and I mean that most literally). I am starting this blog at the encouragement of some of my twitter friends. Apparently they think I have something more to say than my 140 characters on twitter allows. This remains to be seen.

I am however excited at the prospect of joining the TWD cooking group because of my newly acquired blog. But, I must wonder where in the world I will find the time to bake something other than cookies. I must admit, I do indeed love to bake and maybe this will force me to make the time to follow that passion in a capacity other than work.

Thank you twitter friends for making me, once again, step out of my comfort zone and try something completely different. I tend to be the ultimate creature of habit so the friendly shove was much appreciated.

Be patient with me though. I am a slow learner and =’m sure I’ll have questions galore to pummel you all with. Just remember, you asked for it

Fondly yours,
Renee aka Kudos Kookies