Can I do half and half of each instead of all shortening. Just curious because normally when I do the recipe it calls for all shortening and it tastes to much like it to me....suggestions? I have tried other recipes but I havent had much luck!

Certainly It will give you a nice, easy to use & good tasting icing.

Yes..it has a stronger consistency too..
Edna

I do half and half all the time. Just use half butter and half shortening, it gives a much better flavor.

I also do the half and half all the time. Definitely a better flavor, and everyone that has tasted my buttercream loves it. I do add a pinch of salt to mine and that cuts the sweet taste a little. Better to handle if you are like me and can't take too much sweetness in one mouthfull.

I do a 2 to 1 ratio, more butter than shortening (lol-love butter ). I also use salted butter, helps to cut the sweetness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLcCbN2I4xI&feature=channel_page

I use 3 sticks sweet cream butter, to one stick crisco for 2 lbs of powdered sugar....deelish!

For FBCT though I don't use any crico...it doesn't transfer as well, so for those I use straight butter. =)