Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup Crisco shortening
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 cups confectioner's sugar
¾ cup heavy whipping cream

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla extract; mix well. Add confectioner's sugar, and continue creaming until well blended. Add whipping cream. Beat on low speed until well blended. Add additional whipping cream if necessary to achieve desired consistency. Yield: 4 pounds of frosting.

Note: For chocolate buttercream frosting, add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa. For mocha buttercream frosting, replace ½ cup of the whipping cream with ½ cup cold, strong coffee.