Wilton buttercream icing

A great icing that I used in Wilton Cake Decorating Class. Would produce amazing results every time. Thinning is done easily by adding water. This recipe makes about 2 and 1/2  cups of icing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract or any flavor
• 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
• 7-8 teaspoons milk or water or coffee creamer
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder (optional)
• pinch of salt (optional)

In large bowl, cream shortening, flavoring and water with electric mixer. Add meringue powder and 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. Continue to beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl 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.

This recipe makes "stiff" consistency. To make "medium" add one teaspoon of milk or water for each cup of icing or 2 and 1/2 teaspoon for the full recipe. To make "thin" icing (perfect consistency for decorating a cake with the basic coating) add two teaspoons of milk or water. For full recipe add 5 teaspoons of water or milk. 

If you want pure white icing, which is the perfect base to tint, use the white Crisco shortening and any clear vanilla extract (Wilton makes a great one). Using any others will give a faint creamy color that may affect the shade you try and tint with.

Meringue powder is an egg white substitute in baking so if u have egg allergies or don't eat egg should avoid it.Using water will give you a stable product that needs no refrigeration and the icing will keep indefinitely in the fridge if you keep it in a covered container. If it dries out in the fridge you can always just add a bit of water to bring it back to the consistency you need. If you over thin at any time, just add more icing sugar to thicken. Very versatile product! I loves it...!