2 sticks butter (1c) or part butter/part shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-4 Tablespoons milk
4 cups sifted confectioners sugar
pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter or shortening)
Cream butter, add sugar gradually, mixing in milk as needed to keep it smooth. Add vanilla. Add more milk to desired consistency. *If you use water instead of milk, the icing will set up a little bit better for keeping at room temp.