Chocolate Icing

An easy recipe that uses common ingredients - those you will most likely have in the pantry. It sets quickly once it's spread and is less likely to ooze.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 des cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• enough hot water to make a thick paste (1-2 tab)

Method:

1. Place icing sugar, cocoa and vanilla essence in a heat proof jug
2. Add enough warm water to make a very heavy paste - perhaps not all the dry ingredients are moistened at this time and you can add more water later if required
3. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 10 second bursts
4. Stir between each 10 minute heating session until you have a spreadable mixture - add a little more water if you need to at this stage
5. Quickly spread icing on the cake or slice.

Tips:

Take care not to overcook or the mixture will crystalize.