Basic Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 (1 pound) box confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 to 1/4 cup Crisco
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 scant teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, or flavor desired

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together and beat at medium speed with mixer for 7 to 8 minutes, or until smooth and lump-free. Stop, then beat again. If too thick, add drops of water while beating until of desired consistency.
2. Tint icing the color or colors desired using a paste cake coloring such as Wilton. Regular food coloring tends to run.

Notes

Icing or icing leftovers will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator. To use later, beat again to make smooth. A little water may need to be added. Icing may be spread directly on cake or piped through decorative tips.