Cake Decorator Icing

Feeling in the mood for something "spring-ish" I made these cupcakes for a bridal shower tonight. I tried a new icing recipe and must admit it's pretty tasty. It's not over the top sweet like some icings can be. The vanilla and almond flavoring are a delicious combination.

• 1 cup shortening


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 1 1/2 tsp clear vanilla*


• 1/4 tsp almond extract


• 1/2 cup water


• 8 cups sifted icing sugar

Mix shortening, water, vanilla, salt and almond extract with a mixer for 5 minutes. (It's very important to mix this long, before adding 1/2 the icing, then mix again for at least another 5 minutes because it takes out that "lardy" type taste that comes with using shortening). Add the rest of the icing sugar and beat just enough to mix in. Add additional water if needed, for desired consistency.

* I used a non-clear vanilla, which I think worked ok, seeing as I was coloring the icing anyway.

** Large recipe, so half may be sufficient, depending on what you're icing.