Appropriate pastry bag for ingredients

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.

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.

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.