Sue Tickel's Buttercream Icing

2 cups Crisco shortening
1 cup margarine (Blue Bonnet or Land O'Lakes preferred)
1 3/4 lb powdered sugar (6-7 cups)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp salt
1/2 - 2/3 cup Brill commercial cream cheese icing
(available at Bake Mark)

Whip shortening and margarine together until creamy and light in color. Dissolve salt in water. Add approximately 2 cups powdered sugar to shortening and mix until blended. Then add half the water with another 2 cups powdered sugar and mix until blended. Add the cream cheese icing and mix well. Add remaining powdered sugar and water. Beat well until icing is creamy.

Note: Icing level should be above beaters to prevent beating in air.