Perfect Whipped Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (or soy or almond)
• 5 tbsp white flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup butter or shortening (not margarine)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (not powdered)

Preparation

1. Set butter or shortening out to reach room temperature.
2. Whisk together flour and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until very thick (almost like a paste), whisking constantly.
3. Set aside to cool (must reach room temperature).
4. Cream the butter and sugar in a batter bowl with a beater on medium for several minutes, scraping down sides with a spatula (may still be a bit grainy).
5. Stir the vanilla into the cooled milk and flour mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into the creamed butter and beat on high for several minutes, scraping down sides with a spatula, until fluffy and not grainy (add colour and/or flavour extract near end of beating).
7. Spread onto completely cooled cake or cupcakes and serve.