I want to buy an appropriate-sized pastry bag for the following ingredients
in a recipe. It calls for a 5/8" (#808) tip. I've never used a pastry bag
before and want to buy one for this recipe (don't want to use zippy bags or
a make-shift pastry bag). I want this to be a learning experience, so want
to make it easy as possible using correct equipment.

Here is the amount of ingredients the recipe for macaroons
10 ounces almond paste

¾ cup sugar

3 T cocoa

6 T almond flour

3 egg whites

ganache made with 1/2 cup cream & 4 oz. chocolate



Which might be better for my project:
a plastic-coated bag, a polyester bag, a thick-cotton coated with
polyurethane bag, or canvas bag

and what size?

Thanks for any and all comments.

Dee

The size of bag is going to determine how many items you can make
before refilling the bag.

A very large bag is harder to control unless your hands are quite
large.

I would start with a 12" (tip to outer edge) disposable plastic piping
bag. Fill slightly over 1/2 full and twist the top closed. You cut
the opening for the tip with scissors.

I prefer the ease of cleanup with the cheap disposable bags. (sold in
Wal-mart)

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> The size of bag is going to determine how many items you can make
> before refilling the bag.
>
> A very large bag is harder to control unless your hands are quite
> large.
>
> I would start with a 12" (tip to outer edge) disposable plastic piping
> bag. Fill slightly over 1/2 full and twist the top closed. You cut
> the opening for the tip with scissors.
>
> I prefer the ease of cleanup with the cheap disposable bags. (sold in
> Wal-mart)
>
Thanks.
In the "disposable bags," are you able to use a metal tip?
Dee

Absolutely.

Disposable might not have been the best description. The bags are a
heavy plastic and can be reused if washed. They are cheap enough that
I throw them away when using particular fillings.

You can get a tip adapter. This is fitted to the bag first and then
allows you to change tips without emptying the bag. It also has a cover
that lets you put the entire bag in the refrigerator if you need to
firm up a filling or you need to take a break.

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Absolutely.
>
> Disposable might not have been the best description. The bags are a
> heavy plastic and can be reused if washed. They are cheap enough that
> I throw them away when using particular fillings.
>
> You can get a tip adapter. This is fitted to the bag first and then
> allows you to change tips without emptying the bag. It also has a cover
> that lets you put the entire bag in the refrigerator if you need to
> firm up a filling or you need to take a break.

Thanks again.
Regarding "you can get a tip adapter." Do you know if these tip adapter and
tips and covers are 'generally' available at Walmart when/where you buy the
bag?
You are a big help. I read some on a couple of websites and it was not as
clear as you are helping.
Dee

generally yes. A super-walmart should have them, the smaller stores
maybe.

The adapter will only take up to a certain size tip. If you are using
some of the really big tips they may not fit.

If you are using a heavy dough for cookies the cheaper bags may not
stand up to the pressure you need to extrude the dough. If that is the
case go for one of the lined fabric type bags and consider an extra
liner to make cleanup easier.


for short term storage just stand the bag , tip down in a small bowl.

On Sat, 18 Jun 2005 10:12:13 -0400, "Dee Randall"
> wrote:

>
>Thanks again.
>Regarding "you can get a tip adapter." Do you know if these tip adapter and
>tips and covers are 'generally' available at Walmart when/where you buy the
>bag?
>You are a big help. I read some on a couple of websites and it was not as
>clear as you are helping.
>Dee


They're called couplers. They come in 3 sizes..small...regular and
large or extra large. It's a 2 piece thing. You put one piece of the
coupler into the bag before filling. Put the tip on the outside and
screw the other piece of the coupler over the tip. That keeps the tip
on the bag.

Then fill the bag. If you want to change tips, unscrew the outside
piece, change tips, then re-screw it to hold it in place.

I've not found the couplers at WalMart, but your's might have them. I
get mine at either a cake decorating supply or some restaurant supply
stores carry them. You need to make sure you have the right sized
coupler for the tips you are going to use.

You can also use a zip lock bag in place of a pastry bag. You snip a
small piece off one of the bottom corners..use the coupler as above,
fill the bag and zip it closed...then use as a pastry bag. It's a
little more difficult to use, but great in a pinch when you don't have
a bag available.

Debra

The tip adapter/couplers, bags, etc. are usually available in many
crafts stores such as Michael's and Joann's, too. They tend to have the
Wilton products. Restaurant supply stores tend to have Ateco products.