CREAMY DECORATING ICING
Enough to frost and lightly decorate a 9-inch layer
A highly manageable icing for intricate, precise decorations that keeps well if stored tightly covered. To use a pastry bag, see Decorative Treatments for Cakes.
Sift into a large bowl:
- 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar
Add and mix well with a hand mixer:
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or heavy or light cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or ½ teaspoon vanilla and ½ teaspoon almond extract
Continue beating until the icing is smooth. It will be slightly stiff. Add more liquid for the proper consistency for making decorations.