Buttercream Icing Ii Holds Up In Humidity Better – Faux Fondant - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs powdered sugar (confectioners')
2 cups Crisco shortening
1/3 cup powdered milk, mixed with enough water to make 1 cup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla, clear
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon butter flavoring, clear
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon creme fraiche (optional)
1/2 cup cornstarch

Preparation

* You want a paper towel that has no design imprinted for smoothing your icing The trick is to smooth it with Viva paper towels that when the icing is slightly crusted.
Into the mixer bowl, place the Crisco shortening and cream until fluffy.
Combine the water and the powdered milk in a small bowl; add the butter extract, almond extract, and creme royale or creme bouquet, and salt.
Add the powdered sugar mixture to the creamed shortening in the mixer bowl and mix. Add 1/2 cup cornstarch and beat well on low for about 15 minutes.
NOTE: This buttercream icing can be kept out of the refrigerator for around 2 weeks, I'd say. I usually use it so fast that I hardly ever get it in the refrigerator unless I am preparing large batches. It can also be frozen. The cornstarch helps humidity as well as helping to cut the sweetness. Play with it and use whatever flavorings you like.
This icing needs to be made ahead of time. As it sets up it gets firmer. When ready to use, just rewhip on low and you get a smooth, non-airy buttercream icing. I like this recipe better than Wilton's buttercream because it tastes less sweet and uses half the amount of Crisco shortening.
Chocolate Buttercream Icing:
I just add Hershey's cocoa/any cocoa would work and some extra hot water to the buttercream icing. If you want a darker brown color, you can also add a little brown food coloring.