While most people reach for vegetable shortening from a brand like Crisco to make frosting, the better bet is to use a ...

French-style buttercream is made in the same way, but with the addition of egg yolks, which produce a much richer icing. If the mixture splits or curdle instead of emulsifying, stick the bowl in ...

Ready-made icing can be bought from most supermarkets, but it is easily made at home: the core ingredient, icing sugar, is widely available. When making fat-based icings such as buttercream ...

For gingerbread, the icing should be thick and pliable, and it is important for it to harden quickly. Stores offer a wide selection of ready-made icings before the holidays, often very easy to use.