Tips for Filling Frosting Bags

• Insert the decorative tip into the bag according to the manufacturer's instructions, before filling the bag with frosting. Insert the bag into a tall glass, measuring cup or jar, tip facing down. Fold the bag over the edge of the glass. Use a spatula to fill the bag with frosting about half way. Do not overfill the bag, as it will be more difficult to control the flow of frosting. Take the bag out of the glass and twist the unfilled portion of the bag until the air is removed and the frosting is pushed down into the tip. You'll know you've twisted enough when you see frosting start to flow out of the tip.
  
  

Tips for Cleaning Frosting Bags

• Hand-wash frosting bags as soon as possible after use with warm, soapy water. If the frosting hardens, it is tougher to remove. Towel dry off as much moisture as possible, then turn the bag inside out and place it over a clean bottle to air dry. Do not store the bag until it is completely dry; putting a damp bag away can encourage mold growth.
  
  

Tips for Handling Frosting Bags

• Frosting contains shortening which softens as it gets warm. To avoid having the frosting in the bag become runny, work quickly with cold hands. Run your hands under cold water periodically and keep the unused frosting in the refrigerator until you need to refill the pastry bag. Don't handle the bag more than necessary; put it down between designs.
  
  

Frosting Bag Alternatives

• If you don't have a pastry bag on hand or need several because you are working with different color frostings, you can improvise a bag using a plastic storage bag. If you are using a decorative tip, cut a small opening in one corner of the bag and insert the tip. Seal the tip with packing tape to get a tight seal. If you are not using a tip, fill the bag with frosting first. Fill the bag one-third to one-half with frosting, then force the frosting down into a corner of the bag. Cut off the corner of the bag after the frosting has been forced down. Start with a small snip and enlarge it if it's not big enough. You can also use a plastic squeeze bottle to pipe frosting. If the frosting is too thick to flow easily, cut the tip to enlarge the opening.