Recipe: Snow White Buttercream Icing (using meringue powder)

Snow-white Buttercream Icing
rec.food.recipes/Johnson (1997)
Yields 7 cups

Stiffer than reg. Buttercream icing good if you need a perfectly white icing. It is what I use for wedding cakes. It has a good flavor.)

2/3 cup water
4 Tbsp. Meringue powder
12 cups sifted confectioners sugar (approx 3lbs.)
1 1/4 cups shortening
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tsp. CLEAR vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. butter extract

Combine water and meringue powder; whip at high speed until peaks form. Add 4 cups sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition at low speed. Alternately add shortening and remainder of sugar. Add salt and flavorings; beat at low speed until smooth.