Hi,
I tried some Valentine Cookies tonight and tried to make the RI really thin to "flood" the cookie as I have read on these posts. I added what seemed like a ton of water , but still too thick. How do you know how much water to add? Anyone got a recipe for flooding icing? Do I have to do the border in thicker RI? How do I get that really shiny smooth icing look that so many of you have in your photos.

Thanks for all your help!!

Nicky

Try this: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1983-1-Royal-Icing-for-Decorated-Cookies.html

To know when you icing is thin enough - run a knife thru it - if it comes back together smooth in 7 to 10 seconds you are there. If it comes back quicker it is to thin. I use medium stiffness royal icing for outlining. Royal icing can dry kinda dull. For super shiny smooth icing use Toba's Garrets icing glaze.

Here is a site with good recipes:
http://www.kitchengifts.com/royalicing.html

HTH & Good luck