Just making a batch of icing for my cookies and wondering if I should add a flavor to the recipe. Antonia's recipe does not say to add and this is my first time making it...your thoughts? Lemon or Almond?

I just looked at the box of lemon extract and it says it has lemon oil in it. I wonder if that would be a bad idea as grease kills royal icing I wonder if the lemon oil would have the same effect. HELP!

*BUMP*

I have added almond before to her icing and I thought that the flavor came out a little too strong. I like her icing just how it is, without any flavor added. I do add vanilla and a little almond flavoring to the actual sugar cookie dough.

The reason I didn't include flavourings in my recipe is because my meringue powder comes already flavoured with a very strong vanilla. I didn't realize until a few weeks after posting the tutorial that some meringue powders aren't already flavoured.

I would avoid any oil-based or liquor for flavouring though. Stick to anything artificial and water-based just to be safe. It may not whip up properly, or dry as quickly as it should otherwise.

^ thats what I did- almond extract to the cookie and nothing to the icing. Tasted good!!!

Thanks everyone for your advice. Antonia, I just finished my cookies, did not add any flavoring and they are great the way they are. I tried using a squeeze bottle but found that very time consuming and instead opted for a thin popscicle stick (from Starbucks) and was able to achieve a smooth, even coating. Can't wait to post!

I don't know if this helps but, I always use butter emulsion on my royal icing and it seems to do well, grease or no grease. Apparently the amount of grease in it is not enough to spoil the royal icing mix.

I would try separating a little of the mix and adding just a tiny bit to it to see how it works out.

Hi
I have added lemon extract and it tastes GREAT!!! I just looked and your right it does say "oil of lemon" ..I didn't notice any differance in the icing..I use the lemon all the time now..I love Antonia's Icing!!!
JoAnn

Thanks Nicksdrewsjaysmom, I will try it on the next batch of icing for my cookies. Will be making another batch this weekend...they never seem to last in my house!

i would like to know how long is this icing good for? i made a batch on sunday. is it still good? was i supposed to refrigerate?
thanks!
kat

I've kept the icing in a tupperwear bowl with a lid on the counter for the last week and a half and it is still yummy. Just beat it for a few minutes.