Seven-minute Icing Recipe

Seven-minute icing, also known as boiled icing or snow-white icing, is a classic frosting that has been enjoyed by many for decades. This light and fluffy icing is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. It gets its name from the speed at which it can be prepared, taking only seven minutes to make.

The history of seven-minute icing can be traced back to the early 1900s when it became popular as a quick and easy alternative to buttercream and other frostings. It was commonly used to frost layer cakes and was especially popular during times when ingredients like butter were hard to come by. The simplicity of the recipe and the fluffy texture it creates made it a favorite among home bakers.

Fun fact: Seven-minute icing is sometimes referred to as "snow-white icing" because of its bright white color and fluffy appearance. This makes it a great choice for special occasions like weddings, where a pristine white cake is desired.

Now, let's get to the recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons hot milk
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Dr. Price's Baking Powder

Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add the hot milk. Stir to combine.
2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the butter and milk mixture. Mix well after each addition until the desired consistency is reached. The icing should be smooth and spreadable.
3. Add the baking powder and vanilla extract to the icing mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. If you prefer colored icing, you can add different flavors and ingredients. For pink icing, add one tablespoon of strawberry or any other fruit juice. For yellow icing, add one teaspoon of egg yolk and flavor it with orange rind and one teaspoon of lemon juice.
5. Once the icing is ready, spread it on top and sides of your cake using a spatula or a butter knife. Be sure to work quickly, as the icing sets fast.

Now that you have your delicious seven-minute icing ready, you can enjoy your beautifully frosted cake!

Similar recipes include Swiss meringue buttercream, Italian meringue buttercream, and French buttercream. These frostings differ in the way they are prepared, with some using egg whites and others incorporating a cooked sugar syrup. While all of them result in a smooth and creamy texture, they may require more time and effort to make compared to the quick and easy seven-minute icing.

Remember, each frosting has its own unique flavor and texture profile, so feel free to experiment and find the one that suits your taste preferences the best.