CK Meringue Powder

Hi, I sometimes use CK royal icing mix (not meringue powder) when I need stuff to dry really puffy. I have always seen dark specks in it (more black than brown), but they seem to disappear over time and as the icing sets. BUT . . . lately (like in the last two weeks, with the last bunch I purchased), I have found it VERY gritty, not at all like it used to be. I imagine it is a manufacturing issue, and probably something to report to the company. I just haven't had the time. Also, before reporting, I was going to run through all that I have and check another batch (in another purchase) to see if it is a consistent issue, or just a one-off thing.

Neve had a problem and I made icing yesterday with CK meringue powder.

Put your royal icing in an unused, clean knee high stocking, then put that glob of icing into your bag.  Hold the bag and stocking tightly as you pull the stocking through your hand.  The stocking catches all those little crystals that didn't dissolve when mixing the icing.

JFW3 posted:

Put your royal icing in an unused, clean knee high stocking, then put that glob of icing into your bag.  Hold the bag and stocking tightly as you pull the stocking through your hand.  The stocking catches all those little crystals that didn't dissolve when mixing the icing.

 

Smart!

Econlady posted:

JFW3 posted:

Put your royal icing in an unused, clean knee high stocking, then put that glob of icing into your bag.  Hold the bag and stocking tightly as you pull the stocking through your hand.  The stocking catches all those little crystals that didn't dissolve when mixing the icing.

 

Smart!

Works like a charm. 

Asmita posted:

Hi,

I am having issues since the last couple of days with my royal icing. I always use CK brand and use the same recipe and never had a problem like this. When the icing is mixed, I see beige dots or pieces through out the icing and when I try to pipe, it gets stuck in my tips. They are tiny but never before has this happened. 

Anyone experienced this before or what am I doing wrong?

Thanks 

Asmita

yes, i have noticed the CK being "gritty" my last 2 purchases!

ShugRshack posted:

Asmita posted:

Hi,

I am having issues since the last couple of days with my royal icing. I always use CK brand and use the same recipe and never had a problem like this. When the icing is mixed, I see beige dots or pieces through out the icing and when I try to pipe, it gets stuck in my tips. They are tiny but never before has this happened. 

Anyone experienced this before or what am I doing wrong?

Thanks 

Asmita

yes, i have noticed the CK being "gritty" my last 2 purchases!

I reported several bad batch numbers directly to CK Products back in February 2018, and they said they would have their QC Department look into it and get back to me. They never did. I just emailed them with a reminder that I was awaiting a reply. I'd encourage you all to start reporting bad batch numbers to them too; then maybe they will consider doing something about it. It's a shame, because it used to work so well (for me), but now I avoid it.

So I heard back from CK Products today right after I issued my followup email, and they said they've changed to a finer sugar, so all is better now (see email below). In addition to taking them up on the offer of a sample (to test for myself before I buy again), I also asked for the starting lot number with this change, as I want to avoid old lots that may be troublesome. I'll keep you posted if/when I learn more.

Hi Julia,
Have you tried CK Meringue powder lately. I have switched to King Arthur which I love but is so much more expensive
Just wanted to know if you had a chance to try and if its now working well.

Thanks

Asmita

Asmita posted:

Hi Julia,
Have you tried CK Meringue powder lately. I have switched to King Arthur which I love but is so much more expensive
Just wanted to know if you had a chance to try and if its now working well.

Thanks

Asmita

 

I stopped using CK meringue powder.  I use genies magic meringue powder and love it!

Hi, @Asmita, I've never used CK meringue powder; my comments above related to their royal icing mix, which I believe is different. I also rarely use the royal icing mix, as I usually mix from scratch. Anyway, since I never got the sample they promised me above (to re-test after their fix), I have not purchased or tried it again, and have no new info to share.

Asmita posted:

Hi,

I am having issues since the last couple of days with my royal icing. I always use CK brand and use the same recipe and never had a problem like this. When the icing is mixed, I see beige dots or pieces through out the icing and when I try to pipe, it gets stuck in my tips. They are tiny but never before has this happened. 

Anyone experienced this before or what am I doing wrong?

Thanks 

Asmita

Same thing has happened to me with my last order.