I couldn't find "Dream Whip" at my local store, but they had other forms of stable. I am going to make a batch for the first time, but don't want to waste the ps if the stable I purchased wont work. Thoughts?

No, I didn't buy a prepared whipped topping...actually I don't think I ever have in my whole life. But, I bought "Whip It" at Woodmans. It is a whip cream stablizer, the same as Dream Whip, but a different brand. I am guessing it will work just fine. Well, I shall report back in a few hours after I make my first batch!

Ditto....used the Kroger brand last week and it works.

I have been using "Dr. Oekter whip it" for years... but I use it as a whipped cream stalilizer. It helps stablize whipped cream when I'm making mousse. i've never used it in standard buttercream recipes that call for dream whip.
I have also bought the Kroger brand of ready whip and it seemed to work well, as well as the name brand!!

I use off brand shortning, and dream whip every time and I've never had a complaint.