Things You'll Need:
- Regular or hi-ratio shortening
- water
- clear flavorings
- confectioner's sugar
- electric mixer
- meringue powder
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Step 1
Form the basis of your traditional wedding cake icing with all-purpose shortening or hi-ratio shortening, found in cake-decorating supply stores. Other ingredients include milk, confectioner's sugar, meringue powder and clear flavorings.
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Step 2
Combine 1 ½ cups shortening with ½ cup milk in the large bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the beater attachment. Beat on medium speed for three minutes, until the ingredients are very smooth and light. Stop and scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula once or twice, if needed.
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Step 3
Add 1 tbsp. clear vanilla or a combination of almond extract and clear vanilla to suit your tastes, and blend it into the shortening mixture on low.
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Step 4
Sift together 2 lbs. confectioner’s sugar with 3 tbsp. meringue powder. The meringue powder is made from egg whites and will cause the frosting to form a very slight crust, reducing sagging and runs.
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Step 5
With the mixer on low, gradually add the sugar/meringue powder mixture, 1 cup at a time, blending thoroughly before adding more. When you’ve added all of the sugar, blend on low speed for up to 10 minutes or until the frosting is light and smooth.
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Step 6
For special colors, use gel food colorings to tint this frosting. Gel colorings will not change the consistency of the frosting, and they lend vivid color to your wedding cake.
