Solid vegetable shortening / Dalda - 1 1/2 cups - 287 grams
Powdered sugar - 4 cups - 452 grams (lightly spooned into the cup)
Water - 2 tablespoons
Light Corn syrup - 1 tablespoon
Procedure: In a large mixing bowl, place the shortening. Gradually beat in the remaining ingredients at low speed, alternating dry and liquid. Increase speed to medium and beat till smooth and creamy. Mine did not turn out very smooth, maybe I should have powdered the sugar even more fine. Scrape the sides occasionally. Store in an airtight container.
For consistency variation:
Thin consistency - For writing, stems and leaves - use 3 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup.
Stiff consistency - For flowers with upright petals such as roses, omit the corn syrup.
http://www.cakesandmore.in/2011/05/practice-buttercream.html
1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
4 cups sifted confectioners sugar
1-2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Combine all the ingredients in a stand mixer and whip with the whip attachment on low for two minutes or until some of the sugar is dissolved.
Turn it up to high and whip for 5 minutes. Scrape and whip for another 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
Notes
Instead of corn syrup, water, milk, heavy cream, meringue powder or egg whites all work as substitutes. The key is to add some liquid so it thins out slightly. Any of these will do the trick.
http://www.fayesfood.com/2017/05/12/practice-piping-easily/