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1
Divide royal icing among four bowls.
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2
Tint each portion a different color (see page 304 for instructions; keep icing covered while working to prevent it from drying).
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3
Transfer to four separate piping bags fitted with small plain tips (#3), pressing to remove air and sealing tops of bags with rubber bands.
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4
Rest tips of pastry bags in glasses with damp paper towels in the bottoms.
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5
You will need to create a template with your message printed on it; be sure the numbers and letters are spaced well apart (for easy piping).
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6
Tape template to a work surface.
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7
Tape a sheet of parchment or waxed paper over the template.
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8
Pipe solid lines of icing to follow the shape of a letter or number, tracing the template, then pipe dots close together over the piped solid lines.
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9
Continue for all the letters or numbers, piping with different colors as desired.
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10
Let dry at least 3 hours or overnight.
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11
Using an offset spatula, spread cupcakes generously with a smooth layer of frosting.
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12
Using a clean offset spatula, gently lift a royal icing letter or number from paper and place on each cupcake.
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13
Decorate extra cupcakes with one or several dots, using tinted royal icing and plain tips in different sizes.
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14
Decorated cupcakes will keep up to 1 day in the refrigerator in airtight containers; bring to room temperature before serving.
