Buttercream Icing

Prep:  15 mins
Total:  15 mins
Servings:  8
Yield:  2 1/2 cups

Ingredient

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup solid shortening
  
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  (There are four cups to a pound)
  
• 1/4 cups and 1 tablespoons milk

Directions

• Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.

• Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.