Buttercream Icing
The traditional choice for flavor and versatility. Buttercream is softer and more spreadable than most icings. Use for icing cakes, piping borders, writing, flowers, etc. Buttercream can also be prepared with all shortening, resulting in a pure white icing. Ingredients 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons milk Makes About 2 1/4 cups of icing. Instructions : Step 1 In large bowl, beat shortening and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Step 2 Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Step 3 Gradually add milk; beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Step 4 For thin (spreading) consi...