Decorator Buttercream Icing

I always use this when I decorate cakes and I get many, many compliments on the wonderful taste. It is not that usual shortening-and-sugar-bakery-icing taste. If I am not using it to decorate a cake with, I use my all butter variation: Butter Cream Icing (Buttercream Frosting).

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Yields: 3 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1⁄2 cup real butter
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  clear vanilla extract
• 1  dash salt (optional)
• 5  cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 -3  tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Cream butter and shortening then add vanilla.
2. Add sugar a cup at a time beating on medium speed.
3. Add milk 1 Tbls. at a time and beat on high until completely blended.
4. TIP: To cut the sweetness I usually sprinkle some salt in the vanilla (so it will dissolve) before proceeding with recipe as instructed.