Buttercream Icing

½ cup butter, softened

½ cup shortening

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners sugar

2 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in confectioners sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.