Which of the following items is NOT considered a basic type of icing?

Icing is a mixture used to decorate or coat bakery items, and it comes in several basic types, each with unique properties and applications. Glazes and syrups are often used to add shine or sweetness to pastries but are not classified as traditional icings in the same way that buttercream, ganache, and royal icing are.

Buttercream is a common icing made from butter and sugar, often light and fluffy, used for decorating cakes. Ganache is a rich mixture of chocolate and cream, which can be used as an icing or glaze, providing a smooth and glossy finish. Royal icing is made with egg whites or meringue powder and powdered sugar, and it dries hard, making it ideal for detailed decorations on cookies and cakes.

In contrast, glazes and syrups typically consist of simple mixtures that may include water, sugar, and flavorings, meant more for adding a finishing touch to a dessert rather than serving as a foundational icing. Their purpose differs significantly from the structured and more complex textures of the other types of icing mentioned, placing them outside the basic categories used in pastry decoration.