Buttercream

Photography by Emilie Olson

Here is an easy Buttercream icing recipe that would cater to anybody's sweet-tooth! 

You will need the following ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
• 1 teaspoon of Vanilla
  
• 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
• 2 tablespoons milk 

Now obviously I cannot tell you my secret ingredient, because what kind of baker would I be ;-)

Your First step will be to cream the butter and vegetable shortening with a hand mixer in a large bowl on medium speed. Add Vanilla or flavor you desire.

Step two will consist of adding by (1 cup at time) the confectioners sugar and hand mixing on medium until smooth. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure all is mixed together!

Once all sugar is mixed in, step three is to add the 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat on medium speed until Buttercream is light and fully.

To color your Buttercream icing (like the awesome blue from my cupcake above), add color to icing and beat on medium for 1-2 mins or until color is fully mixed. Always start by adding just a drop so you can get the color just right.

Note that you can prep your icing the night before, but be sure to leave a damp piece of paper towel resting on the icing and cover bowl tightly in fridge.

Enjoy icing making!