Expert: Robert Connolly - 1/27/2009

Question
I was reading an old posting you had on buttercream icing from 6/22/07. I just about gave up on finding a good bakery buttercream icing when I read this posting.  I knew there had to be a shortening out there that would be better than Crisco.  Thank you for clearing up that question.  When I asked my local bakery about the shortening they said they cant give me any information about that. There recipe was secret, but that I could purchase there icing for $40.00.  I'm a stay at home mom and can not afford that.  I love to bake, and for extra money I make sugar cookie bouquets.  I want to add cupcakes, but the kids all want that real sweet buttercream icing.  I would love your recipe but I only have a standard kitchen aid mixer at home.  Would I be able to cut down the recipe?  I have never had any formal baking training.  Could you help me?

Answer
rhonda, just keep cutting the recepie in half,then in half again,ect.till you get an ammount that makes sence for your machine,40 bucks for a little buttercream seems way too high,i bet if you called up the company that makes sweetex shortening and told them what you are doing they might send you a sample,it is good customer relations,google the name till you get the number,they will know how you can purchase smaller amounts than the 50#cubes we buy,it is all good experiance figuring this out,go for it and let me know how you did,if all else fails i'll send it to you myself. bob connolly,www.millsbakery.com