1/3 c. butter, cold and firm
2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1 or 2 tbsp. milk or cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Place butter in a small bowl and using an electric mixer, beat several minutes until creamy. Add sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. Beat well after each addition. Add vanilla, then milk or cream, a little at a time and beat well. Store in airtight container in refrigerator and whip up before using again. For snow white icing, use white vegetable shortening and butter flavoring.