Frostings are sweet, smooth mixtures spread on cakes, cookies and pastries as a finishing touch. Also called icings, these mixtures may be cooked (seven-minute frosting) or uncooked (buttercream frosting). The consistency can vary widely, from a very thin glaze to a thick, billowy pouf of frosting. Chocolate, fudge and vanilla are the most common flavors, but there are many possibilities, including caramel, citrus, mocha and fruit flavors. Frosting can be spread in a smooth layer using a metal spatula or applied in a thick layer and swirled. The back of a spoon, a serrated cake comb or a pastry bag with an array of tips can be used for decorative frostings. See Cake Decorating for additional information.