Making Hard Royal Icing

[Scarlett]

Is this possible without a big mixer? Today I got some royal icing sugar, water and mixed it as per the back of the packet. First by hand (gloopy sugar) and then with a cheap hand held electric whisk. I did it for probably an hour and finally it went a bit shiny, with vague peaks but now on the cake, it still looks like it would easily crumble off.
I want to try again but HOW do I get the icing to go really hard without the use of a big industrial mixer?!

[welshlibranr]

the measurements on the pack should be accurate, and you shouldn't need an industrial mixer either!........just add some more icing sugar to firm it up!.....sould be fine!.....

[treetops1]

Ordinary icing sugar and egg whites.

[TheWinner]

Two egg whites
1 lb of sifted icing sugar
Half a teaspoon of lemon juice
2 drops of glycerine

Beat the egg whites until foamy.

Beat in the icing sugar, lemon juice and glycerine.

Beat hard for approx. 5-7 minutes until it is firm enough to stand in peaks.

If it is too stiff, add a bit more lemon juice,
If it too soft, add a bit more icing sugar.

[DaisyNonna]

Very little water required,whisk not required. Use drops of water to begin.

[woofgang]

Yes, use egg white not water or get dried egg white (which might be called meringue mix) and use that with the icing sugar and glycerine.

[Scarlett]

I was using Royal Icing Sugar, so icing sugar with egg white powder combined I guess.

[lilacben]

Just. Made mine from the box. Just put in the water they say and mix until stiff. It will go harder as it dries.