DECORATOR'S BUTTERCREAM

This is a basic bakery type icing made with shortening It holds up well in warm weather.

7 ounces Butter flavored Crisco*
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 fluid ounces water
1 pound powdered sugar

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy scrape sides of bowl and beaters several times while mixing. If too stiff add a small amount of water.

Cover any unused frosting tightly. This does not need refrigeration.

*I like to use butter flavored Crisco because it tastes better but if you want a pure white frosting use regular Crisco.

VARIATIONS:
Different flavoring could be added to change the taste.
For lemon icing I substitute the water with lemon juice.
For Chocolate add a few tablespoons of cocoa.

HERE IS A TIP TO SMOOTH THE ICING:
Frost your cake as smoothly as you can with a spatula, let the icing sit for a minute then lightly place a viva paper (this brand is not imprinted with a design) towel over the icing and very gently rub with the palm of your hand do just a few strokes then pick up the paper towel and move it do this often to keep the towel from sticking. If it does stick wait a few second and then try again with a new piece of paper towel.