Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons milk 
• 1 lb powdered sugar sifted
• 0.1 teaspoon salt 
• 0.5 lb butter unsalted at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla 

Equipment

• bowl
• whisk
• blender

Directions

1. In a bowl, with a mixer (preferably fitted with whisk attachment) on low speed, beat butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and the salt until blended.
2. Add milk and vanilla; beat until blended.
3. Add remaining powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until incorporated. Turn mixer to high speed and beat frosting until fluffy and smooth.
4. Coffee frosting: Replace milk and vanilla with 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 3 tablespoons hot water, then cooled.
5. Lemon frosting: Replace milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla with 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel.
6. Mint frosting: Replace vanilla with 4 teaspoons crme de menthe or 1 teaspoon mint extract and 2 or 3 drops green food coloring, if desired.
7. Orange frosting: Replace milk with 2 tablespoons orange juice, and vanilla with 2 teaspoons grated orange peel.