Easy Cupcakes

Buttercream Recipe
(the classic from Wilton)

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp. clear vanilla flavoring
4 cups (1 lb.) sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 Tbsp. milk

Using mixer, cream butter and shortening and then add vanilla. Add sugar gradually. Once mixed, add milk and beat on high until fluffy.

Basic Buttercream Frosting
(from Current)

6 to 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. salt

Combine about five cups of sugar with the rest of the ingredients. Using electric mixer, add more sugar until desired consistency is achieved.