Hi guys! I'm taking wiltons course 2 and I need to make a crusting buttercream. I really don't like regular bc so I usually make smbc to cover my cakes, but it doesn't pipe as good. I really just need it for piping and flowers. Does anyone have a good recipe that's not too sweet or grainy? I would really appreciate it.

u should try sugarshacks bc
it tastes really good,not too sweet or grainy and it crusts very nicely
hth!

Check out the Buttercream Dream recipe in the recipe section. It's all I use, and it tastes amazing. I don't have any "grainy" issues with it, and whenever I have needed to do any piping or writing, I just thin it a little bit and it works like . . . . . well, like a dream!

I second the Buttercream Dream! I swore I would never use a bc with shortening in it as it doesn't even compare to my smbc but it is delicious and not grainy at al.

Definately Sugarshack's recipe. That's all I use and it's so easy.

For a crusting buttercream, I use Indydebi's Crisco Buttercream, found in the recipe section. I like it very much.

Though, I usually use a non-crusting bc - made from a sort of Bavarian Cream, a wee bit of confectioner's sugar & butter...omigoodness it is yummers!!

I like the BC Dream (very sweet) and the House Buttercream from Whimsical Bake House (more whipped, not as sweet).

I've made buttercream dream and it's still way too sweet. I think I might try it again and maybe just add more salt. I've been wanting to try Sugar shacks bc, but I can't find hi-ratio shortening out here in Cali. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch

dcabrera, depending on where you are in L.A., Surfas in Culver City carries hi-ratio shortening. I think their brand was CK products, which is not as well-reviewed here as Sweetex, but at least it's hi-ratio. At least they used to carry it, I bought some last year. Small quantities available too, I think I bought a 3-5 lb bucket for less than $8. If you haven't been to that store, it is worth a trip, but you may just want to bring a $20 bill and leave your wallet at home, it's like freakin' Disneyland for cooks!

I'll will look it up. Thanks

I went to Glorias in LA and they had Sweetex but it was like $6 almost for a 16oz tub. I think they repackaged it. I'm not sure but it was with their label but said Sweetex and since that was my first time seeing Sweetex I'm not sure. It's in and around Culver also.... Where is Surfas?

I bought some hi ratio (don't know what brand) from AB cakes in East LA and she was selling it for a 1.29 for 8 oz, she repackages it too, and if your interested she also sell the brite white for the same price and size.

but I been wanting to go to surfas it on National and Washington they have a web site. so should I leave the bank card at home too

this is kinda besides the point. I don't know if anyone is interested, but there is gonna be a yard sale. Looks like they owned a bakery. I wish I could make it.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/gms/818499924.html

.......wanting to try Sugar shacks bc, but I can't find hi-ratio shortening out here in Cali........

I have made SS's icing for years (in fact, she used my recipe as a basis for her's) and never used anything but Crisco. Works just fine

I think mine is really good
Jibbies White Velvet Buttercream
1 stick salted butter
1 1/2 cups of crisco
2 teaspoons clear vanilla
mix on low
add 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
slowly add 2 pounds of powdered sugar (I weigh mine)
You may or may not need to add more hwc
When it is all incorporated scrape bowl and mix on #5 (I use a KA) for about 2 minutes .
Tastes great, smoothes easily, crusts well, colors nicely. Try it and let me know what you think.

Jibbies