Vanilla buttercream frosting

I have made more frosting this winter than during any other 5-month span in my life. Lots of cupcakes and cake and just plain old licking of spoons and fingers. Reason #489 why my baby weight is still not totally gone. I'm blaming it all on the horrendous winter we have just experienced. All I have wanted to do is stay inside and make food and eat food and then eat more and more and more.

My peppermint buttercream frosting is still my winter favorite, but can you ever really go wrong with frosting? Butter and sugar are meant to be together, especially when they are swirling around in my satisfied belly.

With an electric hand mixer, cream 1 stick of butter for 3 minutes.

Add:

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix on low speed until light and fluffy. Add additional confectioners' sugar, if needed. Mmmmm!

Click here for a printable recipe!

Peppermint buttercream frosting

I had a friend over the night after I made this frosting. She swooned as much as I did and described it as "decadent." This might be the single best frosting I have ever tasted. I'm not kidding.

In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract.

Gradually beat in an additional 3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth. If necessary, beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to achieve spreading consistency.

You will be swooning, too, I promise.

Click here for a printable recipe!