I have read on here that it is pretty much impossible to make black Buttercream icing. So, I bought a tube of Betty Crocker decorating icing ( I only need it to do some writing.)
My problem is that the icing is really really super stiff--I can barely squeeze it out with two hands!!! 
And since it's for writing, this will be impossible! I don't know what to do! How can I soften/thin it? Is the Wilton brand any bettter? Has anyone else had this problem? 
Thanks in advance!
It's not impossible to make black icing - you just need to start with a chocolate buttercream and use Americolor Super black. It will take a good amount, but it can be done!!! Wilton is not the best for strong colors. And those premade tube things are hard - I agree!!
Three words for you for future black icing-Americolor Super Black! Doesn't taste bitter, doesn't require a whole bottle, don't have to start with chocolate/brown icing first. Just beautiful, true black color! Same goes for the super red.
Back to the problem at hand-I would return it/exchange it because that doesn't sound right. It could have been sitting around for a while. If the new tube is the same you can usually e-mail or call the company and someone will respond to you rather quickly. I haven't used these so I don't want to offer the wrong advice!
The decorator icings aren't really worth their weight in gold so to speak, but since you have it, put it in the microwave at 10 second intervals until it's pliable in your hand. You don't particularly want it hot but rather kneadable. Then, like a tube of toothpaste, squeeze from the bottom. Practice on a plate first because sometimes that stuff is very unruly when trying to squeeze it. Gel writers are pretty much the same, the difference being you should place the tube bottom end first in a cup of hot tap water. This keeps it warm and more fluid, (easier for squeezing.). Black buttercream can be made quite easily actually -- start with a darker color like purple or even chocolate and add from there. You won't end up adding too much black color and remember, buttercreams darken over time so stop two shades lighter than where you want it and by the next day it should blacken up beautifully. Good luck!! 
When I use the tubes from the store I find that I always have more luck with the metal cans and the tips that you have to press sideways to use (does that make sense?) It seems like the icing comes out a lot better than the icing in the plastic tubes if you wanted to try something else from off of the shelf. HTH!
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