Food glossary

Baking

Glycerine

A clear viscous liquid that is added, in small quantities, to royal icing for icing fruit cake.

Uses: Glycerine is included in royal icing recipes to soften the icing, making it easier to cut. Only a small amount is needed: combine 125g icing sugar with 2 tablespoons cold water and 1 teaspoon glycerine to make enough royal icing to cover a 20cm round fruit cake that has been covered in marzipan.

To store: Keep glycerine in a cool, dark place and use by the best before date.