Decoraters Buttercream

Ingredients

1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
3 pounds confectioners' sugar (10X)
3 tablespoons meringue powder
4 1/2 ounces milk

Instructions

Cream the shortening and butter together in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the lemon juice and salt. Gradually add the sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add the meringue powder - the mixture will appear dry. Add the milk and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 to 8 minutes. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

Yield: frosting and filling for 2 (9-inch) cakes