I really like using a pastry bag---and I use them for everything I can, from icing and decorating cakes, cupcakes and cookies, to filling deviled eggs and twice backed potatoes. I used to think that pastry bags were messy and not worth the fuss, until I learned how to fill one a no-mess way. And, now I used them every time I can to keep things neat and tidy in my kitchen.

Here are some pastry bag filling tips in case you are still stuck thinking they are messy. Once you are a pro at filling the bag, I am sure you will find them not only neat but a great time-saver.

Step one:

Once you have the tip and coupler on your bag, place it point down into any tall drinking glass.

 

Step two:

Flop the bag down over the glass, like this.

Step three:

Use a spatula to fill the bag--scraping the spatula on the top of the glass as you go. This helps to keep the filling in the bag and the open end of the bag free of goop.

Step four:

Flip the bag back out of the glass. You should have a neatly filled pastry bag-with no mess on the open end or outside of the bag. Twist and fill away!