Royal icing

Method

1. Sift the icing sugar into a mixing bowl (or food processor). Add the egg white and lemon juice. Whisk with an electric mixer on a low speed (you don’t want too much air in the icing) for 2–3 minutes until you have a smooth, but not wet, stiff peak consistency. It should be thick but spreadable. If it looks dry and crumbly, whisk in a little water. If it looks runny and glossy, mix in a little extra icing sugar.
2. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. The icing will keep for up to 1 week, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Use the icing to stick gingerbread pieces together or for decorating.