Living in Florida, I find it necessary to add shortening to icing to keep it from melting. This is a practice that I HATE because I really dislike the flavor of shortening and the fatty coating it puts on the tongue. What brands are the best for frosting and where would I buy them? I already tried publix (tastes like tires!) and crisco (ok). Thanks in advance for all the help!!

I use the Walmart brand (with transfats) and it works fine for me. You might also try the hi-ratio brands like Alpine or Sweetex, although they are harder to find.

I use Walmart's generic brand too and I like it; not too greasy feeling. I will say that I used Crisco butter-flavored shortening this weekend when I was visiting my snl's; I didn't think it was going to taste any different, but it did and it was AWFUL! So bad that I threw it out!

I use Sweetex in my icing. If you have a cake decorating store in your area, you can generally purchase a 3-lb pail of it for around $10. Yes, it is a little pricey. You can also order pails of it online. Unfortunately, it seems to be available online in two sizes only--3 lbs. and 50 lbs.! The great thing about Sweetex is that you don't get that greasy mouth feel that can be so unpleasant.

My vote goes to Apline C.

I changed from Crisco to Sweetex in January. Love it! I am able to get 50 lbs. through a local cake supply store for less than I could on-line.

All-in-all, I think it is a personal preference. Good Luck!

I always buy a generic brand. Since I've stopped using Crisco, my frostings hold up and taste much better.

Gritswife, could you please share the name of the supply store where you purchase your Sweetex? I get to the Edmond area from time to time. The prices online have jumped sky high recently! I'd love to buy local if possible! Thanks!

I use Crisco but my recipe is part butter (ok, mostly butter), part crisco so you don't get that greasy feel on your tongue.

On the walmart brand, I bought some but realized beore using it that it contains animal fats. I reacted in horror! Is that what I should use??? Thanks!

I have always used Crisco and butter and my buttercream tastes and holds up great.

Wesha

Here's a Crisco vs. hi-ratio thread that might be helpful:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-608133-.html

HTH

Does anyone else use cream cheese in their buttercream? I just love the flavor, but it goes soft SUPER quick!

Adding cream cheese or cheesecake flavoring to your favorite b/c will give you the flavor without the excessive softness associated with cream cheese frostings.

These flavorings are available at www.LorAnnOils.com or (bulk quantities) at www.nationalflavors.com

Best cream cheese frosting recipes thread:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-605468-.html

The truth about cream cheese frosting:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-582086-.html

Sugar as a preservative:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-582561-.html

Why cream cheese frosting isn't good for decorating:
(Gives recommendations.)

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-606414-.html

HTH