Wilton Buttercream Icing (frosting)

1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla (if you want to use white vanilla you can to keep the frosting pure white)
2 tablespoons milk or water
1 pound confectioners sugar *4 cups
1 tablespoon wilton meringue powder (this just allows it to harden better, its not necessary)

Cream shortening, butter, vanilla and water. Add dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until they are mixed thoroughly. Blend an additional minute until creamy.

To make chocolate buttercream frosting, and 3/4 cup cocoa and additional 1-2 tablespoons water.