Can somebody please tell me what modified royal icing is?? I have read the recipe for royal icing but have seem people use modified royal icing.

Modified royal for me, is adding some butter. It still dries, although it takes a bit longer. And, it tastes better than plain royal.

Alice's cookie icing is a modified royal.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1961-7-Alices-Cookie-Icing.html

I have never heard of modified royal icing but here is a recipe I found on the Internet as an alternative to using royal icing. I have not tried it yet.

Confectioners' Icing:

(This icing does not dry as hard as the royal icing but has a nicer flavor.)

4 cups (350 grams) sifted confectioners' sugar

4 tablespoons (80 grams) light corn syrup

4 tablespoons water

In a stainless steel bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, place all the ingredients. Stir until the sugar is melted and smooth (this does not take long). Remove from heat. Color the frosting using food coloring pastes or liquids. If the icing is too thick to spread just add a few drops of water until you have a spreadable consistency.

Makes about 3 cups