Rich Buttercream Frosting

1/2 c butter, softened

4 c powdered sugar, sifted

3 tbsp milk

2 tsp vanilla

food coloring

In a mixer bowl, cream butter on low speed for 30 seconds. Combine milk, vanilla and food coloring. Mixture should be much darker than end product. Add powdered sugar to butter and 3 tbsp of milk mixture. Mix on low speed (#2 on Kitchenaid) for 1 minute. At this point, powdered sugar should be barely incorporated into mixture. If lots of powdered sugar remains unincorporated, add 1 tsp more of milk mixture. Scrape bowl. Mix on medium speed (#6 on Kitchenaid) for 1 minute. Place in an icing bag and pipe onto cupcakes. Makes enough to frost 42-47 mini (2 oz cups) cupcakes with 1M star tip.