Wendy you need to get a digital kitchen scale -- it will make your life so much easier. I don't have Sharon's recipe in front of me, but I'll check tomorrow when I'm in the bakery to see if she has it listed in cups. I use 2 pounds of high ratio shortening, 5 pounds PS, and 1 - 1 1/4 cups combined liquid (creamer, water, flavorings) depending on how soft I want the icing.