French Buttercream

3/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1/2 cup cold water
Combine ingredients in mixer until dissolved
Add - 2 cups Crisco (or) Sweetex shortening, *See Note following recipe

Combine and mix ingredients until fluffy, add;

1 teaspoon salt
1 heaping tablespoon Meringue powder *See Note
2 teaspoons butter/vanilla (or) flavor of choice
Mix until fluffy;

Add 2-1/2 pounds sifted powdered sugar. Mix 5 minutes
Add - 1/4 to 1/3 cup water at end of first mixing.

Continue to mix on low to medium speed, 8 to 10 minutes until fluffy. (If icing is too thin, add extra sifted powdered sugar)

*Note - Sweetex Shortening & Meringue Powder may be found at a bakery supply store.

Source: http://confectionarychalet.com/recipes02.shtml