Hi I wanna make icing for shells and borders what's easy and stiff icing recipe?

-I am beginner curious to know what difference shortening makes.....what kind of food colours work well (liquid or powder) thanks I am in ausStandard buttercream is easiest. The shortening has no flavor but will be very stable in different temperatures. Pure butter buttercream gets gooey and melts easily especially in hot summers like this. Liquid colors are fine in a buttercream, and are much cheaper than powdered.





1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened

1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb. - important to sift)

2 tablespoons milk