Buttercream Icing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. (approximately 1 lb.) powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk or water

Preparation

Cream together shortening and butter.
Add vanilla.
Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well on low or medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often.
Add milk or water.
Mix 5 minutes until light and fluffy on medium speed.
Makes approximately 3 cups.
Double recipe if you wish to make rose or icing characters.
Leftovers can be put in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.