Tip: The Best Tip EVER for filling a pastry bag!!

Edited on 7/17/11: Enter to win a copy of Hello Cupcake book HERE!


Since Mother's Day is coming up this weekend and some of you might be making cakes, cupcakes or cookies, I thought I would share this great tip for filling a pastry bag with icing (either buttercream or royal icing). I've been using this technique now for a few months and have managed to save a ton of $$ on bags and just made things a lot easier on myself.

Here is how it work:

You need a plastic pastry bag, tip and coupler.

You also need plastic wrap

First step is to cut a sheet of plastic wrap.

Then, plop some frosting right in the center.

Starting on one side, carefully roll up the frosting. Another great thing about using this method is that the plastic wrap hugs the frosting and eliminates air pockets.

Now, twist both ends tightly.

Pull back the pastry bag and insert the plastic wrapped frosting.

Gently pull the plastic wrap taut.

Snip off the excessive plastic wrap at the base of the coupler.

Screw on the tip.

Add a pastry bag tie thingy if desired (but not necessary)

TADA!! You are now ready to pipe and frost.

When you are done, clean up is a breeze. Simple remove plastic wrapped frosting and save or discard. Wash the frosting tip and rinse out the pasty bag if needed. Mess free....got to LOVE it!!


Source: SweetSugarBelle

Tip: My Easy Way To Fill A Pastry Bag

I've gotten several request to do some blog posts on how I ice my cakes and make them smooth. I'm still working on those posts and a few others related to baking. In the meantime, I thought I would share this one tip I have to make filling an icing bag a little easier.

I use this method primarily b/c I find that I often need two hands to get my icing out of the mixer bowl. Using a clean vase like this one makes things a little easier. Plus, if you are like me you probably have about a half dozen vases like this in your house already. Here is how it works:

Step 1:
You will need icing bags and tips (a 12x16 inch bag works best for this size vase, for a 12x12 inch bags use a smaller vase or tall drinking glass) and a clean vase with a lip.


Step 2:
Place your icing bag into the vase and fold the top over the lip of the vase.


Step 3:
Fill the bag with frosting. Use the lip of the vase to clean off you spatula and to help push down the frosting.


Step 4:
When you have enough frosting in the bag, simple lift up the sides of the bag and remove from the vase.


Frost your cake or cupcakes as desired:)


Source: Chef Mommy Original