Icing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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icing
[ˈaɪsɪŋ ]
Definitions
cake decoration
Icing is a sweet, often creamy glaze made of sugar with a liquid like water or milk, typically used to cover or decorate cakes and pastries.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The birthday cake was covered in colorful icing.
- She piped delicate icing flowers onto the cupcakes.
football
In American football, icing is a strategy used by the kicking team to delay the game by calling a timeout just before the ball is snapped.
Synonyms
delaying tactic, time-wasting strategy.
Examples of usage
- The team used icing to try to ice the kicker before the crucial field goal attempt.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary Arts
- The use of icing dates back to ancient Rome, where sweets were decorated with sugar to show off their beauty.
- Royal icing, made from egg whites and powdered sugar, is especially popular for decorating cookies and is used in gingerbread houses.
- Different types of icing exist, such as buttercream, fondant, and ganache, each known for their unique textures and flavors.
Cultural Traditions
- In many cultures, including American and British, elaborate cake decorations with icing are central to celebrations like birthdays and weddings.
- The practice of icing and decorating cakes became especially popular in the Victorian era as baking skills advanced.
- Icing's colorful appearance often plays a role in festive occasions, making desserts visually appealing to enhance the celebration.
Science
- Icing can be affected by temperature; warmer weather can cause it to melt, while colder conditions help it set properly.
- The frosting process involves science and art, as the right ratios of sugar and fat create stability and texture in icing.
- Chocolate ganache, a type of icing made from chocolate and cream, showcases how emulsification affects its smoothness and consistency.
History
- Sugar was a luxury item in the past, making icing a special feature reserved for important occasions.
- The first recorded icing recipe appeared in the 16th century, reflecting the growing popularity of sugar in Europe.
- As sugar production increased, icing became available to everyday people, transforming baking into a more creative outlet.
Art
- Cake decorating with icing is often considered a form of edible art, where skilled bakers use piping techniques to create intricate designs.
- Competitions around cake decoration showcase talented artists who turn cakes into stunning centerpieces through icing.
- Social media platforms have popularized cake art, where beautifully iced cakes often go viral, inspiring creators worldwide.
Origin of 'icing'
The word 'icing' originated in the 18th century, derived from the verb 'ice,' meaning to cover or decorate with icing. The use of icing on cakes and pastries became popular in the 19th century, with various styles and techniques developed over time. In American football, the term 'icing' as a strategy is more recent, originating in the late 20th century to describe the tactic of delaying the game with a timeout.