Just skimming through some threads and I'm wondering if the 0 trans fat Crisco is to blame for my BC decorations cracking?
Of course I discovered this problem 1.5 hrs before having to deliver my first cake. 
As each piped decorative button cracked I kept thinking something is happening to the fat content.
So, "No" to 0 trans fat?
I don't know if it's the Crisco or not . . . though the new Crisco is not as good to work with. Try adding a couple of drops of vinegar to your BC as you're making it. It keeps the BC from cracking on the cake so I'd imagine it would help keep your decorations from cracking. You totally don't taste it - just a couple of drops. I can't remember the chemical reason why it works but it does!
I use vinegar, but honestly don't have any idea if it works or not. I do know that once I switched to high ratio shortening, I had far fewer problems with cracking -- in fact, I haven't had any since then. The stuff just holds together better. I never use crisco anymore -- I was using Safeway brand. Now, I won't use anything but the high ratio.
S.
what brand hi-ratio do you use? the only one available to me at my local cake shop is CK Products which I don't like. I need to order a different brand online but am not sure which to order? CK always leaves a greasy feeling in my mouth, which is weird because that's what I though hi ratio was supposed to eliminate!
Sweetex brand high-ratio is the only one I have tried...it's wonderful!
...I use the CK hi-ratio.. and never have a problem with a greasy taste. How much do you use?..do you use all shortening in your recipe?
My BC recipe calls for like a 1 1/2c, but, because I use half butter, I cut that down to like 2/3c...which gives it more of a buttery taste rather than grease.
The BC recipe I've used the CK brand hi ratio in is the WBH house buttercream - calls for a stick and a half of butter and 2 3/4 cups of shortening. I've used CK at least four different times with this recipe and each time it's left a greasy film that I don't get with Crisco . . . totally strange. Different tubs of CK, too.
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