Wilton Buttercream Icing

Courtesy of Wilton Industries, Inc. - used by anonymous with permission.

1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 teaspoon butter extract
2 tablespoons milk
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Cream shortening with electric mixer. Add butter extract. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.

For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Re-whip before using.