Versatile Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon extract (However you want to flavor it — mint, lemon, vanilla, almond, etc.)

Directions

1. 1

   Put butter, cream, and salt into a pot and heat almost to a simmer, stirring often.

2. 2

   Turn off the stove and place the pot on a trivet where you'll be working.

3. 3

   Add 3/4 tsp extract of your choice and stir.

4. 4

   If using food coloring, add it now and also stir.

5. 5

   Add 4 cups powdered sugar.

6. 6

   Stir, then knead until smooth and all the powdered sugar has been absorbed.

7. 7

   Put the whole thing into a large container for now and wait for it to cool to room temperature. (DO NOT REFRIDGERATE! This will cause it to set.).

8. 8

   After it has cooled enough, put into a pastry bag for decorating or large-nozzle one to frost cupcakes. Or frost your cake with it. (Or eat it out of the container if having a sugar fit.).