My Wilton instructor said to use just a little 'black' in this, will not be perfect, but will not give all the little ones black hands & teeth either!

Chocolate Buttercream Icing

Little Butter‘s baby brother …tastes great as an icing and is as versatile as regular Buttercream. This would be the icing to mix up if you are planning to make dark colored icing flowers/decorations. (Add 1/2 teaspoon meringue powder if using to make flowers/decorations.)  You can use more cocoa, but remove equal amt. of sugar.  Hope this helps.

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups sifted confectioners‘ sugar

3/4 cup sifted cocoa

3-4 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

In a medium mixing bowl, cream together shortening, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar and cocoa on medium speed, scraping down bowl often. Add milk and corn syrup and beat until light and fluffy.