Royal icing with meringue powder

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 7 tablespoons water

1. Sift the powdered sugar: Sift the powdered sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer.
2. Combine meringue powder and powdered sugar: Add the meringue powder. Whisk by hand to incorporate the meringue powder evenly with the powdered sugar.
3. Add water: Pour in the water.
4. Mix on low speed: Using the whisk attachment, mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is no longer dry.
5. Increase to medium speed and mix for 4 minutes:  Set the mixer to medium speed (around 6 on a KitchenAid) and mix for 4 minutes.
6. Scrape the bowl: Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
7. Mix on medium speed for 5 more minutes: Continue mixing on medium speed until the icing forms stiff peaks and leaves lines in the bowl.
8. Store the icing: Transfer the icing to an airtight container. Use this icing as a base to mix in colors or adjust consistency as needed. If you are not using the icing right away, store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Makes 3 cups of icing