Hi,
I've been wondering if these can be omitted and/or substituted.

I don't like the taste of shortening. Has anyone tried replacing shortening with butter? The Cream Cheese icing does not usually call for shortening....just the cheese and butter.

Also, can we omit meringue powder in the buttercream icing?

What are the consequence(s) if I do the above replacement or omission?

help.....

BR,
Viv

You can replace butter for shortening, but it will not be as stable. If it is hot or humid out, it is better to use a shortening or 1/2 &1/2 recipe it will hold up better. You can do without the meringue powder in icing.

Replacing shortening with butter in a frosting recipe will make for a softer b/c, with possibly less crusting.

If the amount of meringue powder is minimal, it can usually be omitted. (Some feel it helps with crusting....)

Here's a cream cheese frosting that uses only butter and doesn't require refrigeration:
(From Sarah Phillips of baking911.com.)

http://tinyurl.com/2ydx9b

HTH

you can ommitted the merengue powder

JanH,

Fascinating and MUCH needed - thanks for sharing this link!