I just made my first batch of Sugarshack's ining. The icing came out great, no air and went on nicely, except it is not very smooth, it's a little grainy in texture. It's not like it has pieces of anything in it it's just not a satin smooth texture.
Can anyone help?
BTW I used the shortening from W that still has the trans fat.

Thanks!

Was your liquid hot?

Personally, I find all total shortening icings to have a slight "grit" between the teeth, but not on the tongue. I think that is nature of the beast.

But if it is crunchy, or obviously gritty to your tongue or to eyesite, that is not normal.

When I have had excessive grittiness, it is usually a funky batch of PS. I go get another brand for a while and that takes care of it for me.

HTH

Yes the liquid was hot. I'll try it next time with a different ps. It tastes good just a little grainy, not sandy. Just wasn't sure how satiny it was supposed to be.

thanks so much for posting this recipe because it is so easy to smooth out!

I had the same problem with a grainy texture this weekend. I used the hot liquid mixture, Piggly Wiggly Brand shortening with trans fat, and Domino's sugar.

I let it mix for 3 minutes. I was afraid to let it mix too much longer since I was using household shortening and I was down to my last 4 pounds of powdered sugar.

However, on the positive side, it was a dream to work with!

It could also be the shortening, I have found that high ratio shortenings perform much better, making the icing much smoother.

Also, I have always beaten my buttercream on med-hi for a good 10 minutes, then I change it to "stir" for about another 5 more. I have found that the longer I beat it, the better and smoother it gets, I guess it breaks up everything!

I just experienced this last night. The only thing I can say caused it was the PS. I do use Domino, but I guess they can be off sometimes too. Guess it'll be used to decorate the cakes/cupcakes for my dd to take to school & church for her bday . I know I'm mean, but kids won't know the difference. They'll just say, SUGAR!

i have had "off" bags of PS do that.

correct; smaller batch will prob get air