Wilton's Buttercream Icing

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Solid Vegetable Shortening
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 1 Tsp Clear Vanilla Extract
• 4 Cups Sifted Confectioners' Sugar (Approx. 1 lb)
• 2 Tbs Milk

Preparation

Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. 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. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

Chocolate Icing:

Use the basic buttercream icing recipe. Add 3/4 cup cocoa or three 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate squares, melted, and an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons milk to recipe. Mix until well blended.

Yield: 3 Cups