Buttercream Frosting (from Dessert Diva)

As I mentioned on my personal blog, Spicy Diva and I are taking cake decorating classes. We are almost finished with Course 1 (there are 4 courses). Soon, I will be posting some of our adventures in cake decorating. For now, you'll have to make do with the recipe for the delicious buttercream frosting we've been using on our cakes.




Buttercream Frosting


Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. meringue powder (find it at your local arts and crafts store)
2 lbs. powdered sugar
*1 tsp. flavoring (find it at your local arts and crafts store)


*Flavoring is basically clear vanilla extract. You can use traditional vanilla extract in place of the flavoring, but your frosting will not be white. If you plan on dyeing your frosting, this would be fine, but if you want white frosting, pick up the flavoring.


Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix the meringue powder into the powdered sugar. In a large bowl, put the shortening into the water; add the salt, flavoring and half the powdered sugar. Beat for five minutes. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat just enough to mix together. Add additional water or powdered sugar to reach desired consistency. Store in an airtight container, if not using immediately.


**If you want to make chocolate buttercream, add cocoa powder and increase the water just a bit.


Enjoy, and don't forget to check back soon to see some of the cakes Spicy Diva and I have made!