My Buttercream Will Not Crust, Ever, No Matter What I Do!
Decorating By tarascupcakes Updated 21 Sep 2009 , 6:15pm by tarascupcakes
My 20-qt mixer has 3 speeds: Slow, faster, and "beat the hell out of it". I tend to use all three speeds at some stage in the making-icing process. And it's on "beat the hell out of it" during the "pulverize the fat" stage.
OMG...I was cracking up at this!!! 
Are you certain your powder sugar is pure cane?? I think you said it is from Sam's club-just wondering if it is specified as pure cane.
OMGoodness! I'm so happy! It crusted. I made my batch of icing for this weekend's orders and it worked. I did exactly what we decided was most likely the problem. I beat the H, E double L out of the shortening and it worked. I also bought a store brand (Lowe's Foods) vegetable shortening, which may have something to do with it. It's so fluffy! When I was making it before, it was so much more dense. The best part is it crusts (not real hard though, but that's good)! I don't like that residue it leaves though in your mouth. I didn't use Indydebis recipe because I didn't have any dream whip and money is extremely tight right now, so I just went by my old recipe. Anyway, I just to share my success! Thanks to all! CC members ROCK!
Yay x2!! So glad the mystery is finally solved! Just for in the future, what you were saying about the residue in your mouth; if you are ever able to get some hi ratio shortening to try, I think you will find the residue won't be there. But, since I know it can be hard to come by and costly, you also might try different store brands of shortening. I notice a big difference in the tastes/residues among different brands. Otherwise, woo hoo! I looked at some pics of your cake pics the other day, they are gorgeous. 
Yay x2!! So glad the mystery is finally solved! Just for in the future, what you were saying about the residue in your mouth; if you are ever able to get some hi ratio shortening to try, I think you will find the residue won't be there. But, since I know it can be hard to come by and costly, you also might try different store brands of shortening. I notice a big difference in the tastes/residues among different brands. Otherwise, woo hoo! I looked at some pics of your cake pics the other day, they are gorgeous.
Oh, ok, that's what I'll have to try when I get a chance and some $. Thanks for the compliment! I'm trying! Got many weddings and anniversaries and baby showers coming up and I don't want to be worrying about my icing!!! 
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