Pipe

Culinary definition of pipe:  To create a continuous smooth or decorative line using a pastry bag fitted with a tip.

C@H FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Traditional piping typically involves soft icing or pureed potato or such, placed in a re-usable or disposable piping bag, to a level that leaves enough bag left to twist and close, then the contents are very gently squeezed down to the tip end where they are artfully applied to baked goods (icing) or savory items like shepherd's pie (potato).  The look and volume of extruded material varies according to the size and type of tip used in the piping bag.

The proper technique (right) is to hold the bag closed with one hand and squeeze contents out with the other.  Very heavy bags can be arranged so that contents rest on the upper forearm - worth doing with heavy icings or if piping large quantitites.

All designs applied to any food item using piping bag are 'piped' on or in - be they flowers, polka dots, ruffles or simple written messages.  Disposable bags are more hygenic than re-usable bags which require washing between uses.

✭ ✭ ✭  Quick & Easy Shortcut: Use large-capacity piping bags to stuff pasta noodles or chicken breasts, drop whipped shortbread batter or fill finicky cornbread molds without making a mess.   

view other Kitchionary