1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 Crisco, softened
pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4-6 tbsp. whipping cream (you can substitute milk or half and half)
4 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter and Crisco. Add pinch of salt and vanilla and continue mixing until smooth. Add in sifted confectioner's sugar one cup at a time, add a tablespoon of whipping cream in between each cup of sugar, scraping the sides of bowl down each time. Gradually beat on low-medium speed well until smooth and fluffy. (The lows speed keeps it from incorporating too much air into the frosting). To reach the consistency you need, you may need to add more sugar or more whipping cream. Add food coloring and blend well. Remember, gel or paste coloring will darken over time.
