Buttercreams

Directions

1. 1
   Combine butter and cream cheese in bowl.
2. 2
   Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
3. 3
   Add vanilla; continue beating until well mixed.
4. 4
   Beat at low speed, gradually adding powdered sugar, until well mixed.
5. 5
   (If mixture is too soft, cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to form balls.)
6. 6
   Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of mixture into 1-inch balls.
7. 7
   Place onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
8. 8
   Cover loosely; refrigerate 2 hours or overnight until firm.
9. 9
   Melt chocolate chips and shortening in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, 3-4 minutes or until smooth.
10. 10
    Dip buttercreams into chocolate mixture using fork to turn and remove; let excess chocolate drip off.
11. 11
    Place onto waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
12. 12
    Garnish with chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles and decorator sprinkles as desired.
13. 13
    Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set.
14. 14
    *Substitute almond, orange or rum extract.