1/3 c. soft butter
3 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
Dash of salt
1/4 c. milk or light cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter, add sugar, salt, milk and vanilla. Beat until blended and fluffy. Add a little more sugar if needed for right spreading consistency.

Lemon or Orange Frosting: Use lemon or orange juice instead of milk and 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange rind.

Maple Frosting; Use maple syrup instead of milk, omit milk and decorate with walnut halves.

Strawberry: Omit vanilla, use crushed berries with juice instead of milk.

Mocha: Use 1 pound confectioners' sugar, sift 1/2 cup cocoa with it. Use 1/3 cup strong hot coffee.

Chocolate Frosting: Use basic recipe with 1/2 cup butter, 1 pound confectioners' sugar and add 3 squares melted unsweetened chocolate or 1/2 cup cocoa and 3 egg yolks. Beat until smooth.