Mrs. Ophelia's Icing

Top of cake

The finished product (with my apprentice looking on)

Recipe
1 c. shortening
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract
4 1/2 c. powdered sugar
3-4 Tbsp. milk

Beat shortening, vanilla, and almond on medium speed for 30 seconds.
Add 1/2 of the sugar, 2 Tbsp. milk. Blend together.
Gradually add the rest of the sugar and milk until you get to the desired consistency.
This will cover the same amount of cake as the regular tubs of frosting,
but it tastes so much better.

You will end up with deliciously white icing which can be dyed to any color.
For G's cake, I used Wilton's food gel in the little pots. I also doubled the recipe.
I find the colors are brighter than with the regular food coloring.

This icing is also good on sugar cookies.

Leaning Tower of Pickett

Okay, I obviously didn't put enough support dowels in my cake!
Luckily, it didn't affect the taste. :)