Buttercream Icing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
• 2 tablespoons of Milk

Makes about 3 cups of icing.

Instructions:
In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with 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 bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.

For Pure White Icing, omit butter, substitute an additional 1/2 cup shortening for butter and add 1/2 teaspoon no-color butter flavor.