Buttercream Frosting

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup butter 

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk or evaporated milk - use whipping cream for a more airy frosting...tastes like the "whipped" frosting from the store....

Variations:

Citrus Buttercream Frosting: Omit vanilla. Substitute lemon or orange juice for the milk. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel or 2 teaspoons grated orange peel.

Cocoa Buttercream Frosting: Stir in 2/3 cup baking cocoa into powdered sugar, and increase the butter to 1/2 cup and milk to 5 to 6 tablespoons.

Maple-Nut Buttercream Frosting: Substitute 1/2 cup maple-flavored syrup for the vanilla and milk. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (toasted, if desired).

Peanut Butter Frosting: Substitute peanut butter for the butter. Increase milk to 1/4 to 1/3 cup.