Buttercream Frosting

This recipe is for basic buttercream frosting.  It's really simple and will hold up for basic decorating.  It's not stiff enough for something like roses, but will work fine for most kids birthday party cakes.  (I made the sweet peas and pea pod in this photo with gum paste.) You can make it a little healthier by substituting the shortening with butter, but it won't hold up as well for decorating.  

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Buttercream Frosting:

1/2 C. (1 stick) real butter, slightly softened
1/2 C. vegetable shortening
4 C. sifted powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Whip all in a mixer until you have a delicious and fluffy frosting.  (Start slowly or your powdered sugar will go everywhere.)  You can color with icing colors or use as a white frosting.