Bakery Frosting

Photo: flickr user Rachel from Cupcakes Take the Cake

Ingredients

1 # powdered sugar (sift if necessary)

1 cup solid vegetable shortening

1 teaspoon clear vanilla

1 tablespoon meringue powder

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon Valencia flavoring

Preparation

Cream shortening, then add remaining ingredients.

This recipe yields 3 cupsof frosting. This produces frosting with a stiff consistency, perfect for piping roses. For a medium consistency, (for borders) add 1 tsp. water to each cup of frosting For a thin consistency, (suitable for icing the cake and writing or leaves) add 2 tsp. water to each cup of stiff frosting. I usually double this recipe when icing a two layer 9 inch cake with frosting decorations. Meringue powder and Valencia flavoring are both sold at my local party store. (Party Time) Valencia

"crust". Simply Whites can be used in place of meringue powder and a flavoring called "Creme Bouquet" is also a good substitute for the Valencia.