The Perfect Buttercream Frosting

I am not lying when I say PERFECT. You know the yummy bakery frosting that is always so smooth and delicious? It took me awhile to figure out how to get that. No matter what I tried, it just wasn't the same.

Too sweet. Too grainy. Too separated. Blah blah baking fails.

The trick is shortening. It's totes healthy, don't worry.

It's a one bowl frosting. You toss everything in, set a timer and walk away. It's also a "crusting" buttercream. It works great for decorating! You'll be like a real bakery in no time!

You will need:

• 1/2 cup (one stick) of butter
• 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 bag powdered sugar (2 pounds)
• a dash of vanilla if you want (your frosting won't be stark white)

What to do:

• add your stick of butter to the bowl

• add shortening to the bowl - I usually do 3/4 cup

• add the whole bag of powdered sugar on top of that

• if you are using vanilla, add it now (I don't)
• pour your milk all over the powdered sugar (it's fun)

• it's mixing time! use SLOW speed. I usually pulse it until it stops sending powdered sugar up into the air

• once you've got it under control, high speed baby! set a timer for 3-4 minutes and go do your thang

• come back when the timer goes off and marvel at the deliciousness you have just made

So. Lovely.

*This makes a lot of frosting!*

Coming this week...ombre rose cakes featuring this frosting!