Dust
Dusting is sprinkling a food lightly with a fine, dry ingredient such as flour, powdered sugar, or cocoa so it lands in a thin, even veil across the surface. The word captures how gentle and sparing the application is; the aim is a delicate finishing touch or a light functional coating, never a heavy layer. It is often done through a fine sieve or sifter to keep the covering airy and uniform.
A dusting of confectioners' sugar makes a plain cake, brownie, or plate of French toast look finished and elegant, while a dusting of flour on a work surface or a greased pan keeps dough from sticking. To dust evenly, hold a small sieve well above the food and tap it gently while moving it around so the powder falls like light snow. For decoration, dust just before serving, since powdered sugar can dissolve into a damp or warm surface over time.
A dusting of confectioners' sugar makes a plain cake, brownie, or plate of French toast look finished and elegant, while a dusting of flour on a work surface or a greased pan keeps dough from sticking. To dust evenly, hold a small sieve well above the food and tap it gently while moving it around so the powder falls like light snow. For decoration, dust just before serving, since powdered sugar can dissolve into a damp or warm surface over time.