1 cup shortening - 50/50 butter & crisco (omit butter for pure white icing)
1 lb powdered sugar - sifted
1 tsp vanilla (or desired flavoring)
2-3 Tbs milk
Beat shortening with vanilla until fluffy
Add sugar 1 cup at a time beating and scraping bowl
Add milk to get desired consistency, 2 Tbs for stiff 3 or more for thin