weezasmom - does the buttercream dream work for flowers etc? Or do you ice with it and then use something else to decorate? I would like to try something other than the basic wilton buttercream but have been concerned it would be hard to decorate with if it is fluffy.
I totally agree with weezasmom. Buttercream Dream is the best. When I don't have a cake to make, I sometimes make cupcakes just so I can put lots of icing on them and eat them myself 
Here is the link:
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2123-Buttercream-Dream.html
The main difference in the buttercream icing at the bakery from what you make at home is the high ratio shortening. I have never understood why they don't sell it in smaller amounts in the grocery stores, like Crisco.
I have discovered rather recently that if I add some cream of coconut to mine, in place of part of the liquid, it gives it a real smooth creamy texture.
Another thing with the icing...if you mix it in large batches on the big mixer (40 lbs.) it turns out creamier than if you do it 10 lbs. at a time, or less.
I forgot to mention that I use Sweetex instead of Crisco and it gives the icing a great taste and texture. But you have to use a little less that the recipe calls for. For example the Buttercream Dream calls for a cup of shortening, but thru trial and error I found that I only need to use 3/4 cup of Sweetex.
I don't know about the flowers because as hard as it is to admit I rarely make flower cause I don't know how. Every thing I know has come from trial and (lots) of error learned mostly from here. But I have been playing around with the Buttercream Dream recipe using the flavored coffee creamers, and the Hazelnut one is awesome, used it instead of milk.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%