Is there an easy way to make icing from scratch?

Absolutely! Here's a simple recipe for basic buttercream icing, perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 3 cups powdered sugar

* 1/4 cup milk (or water)

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter: Use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes.

2. Add Sugar Gradually: Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated before adding the next cup.

3. Add Liquid: Add the milk (or water) and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until combined.

4. Add Salt: Add a pinch of salt for balance.

5. Adjust Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk (or water) a tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Tips:

* Soften Butter: To soften butter quickly, microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

* Taste Test: Taste the icing as you go and adjust the sweetness or vanilla to your liking.

* Coloring: Use food coloring to add fun colors to your icing!

* Storage: Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations:

* Chocolate Buttercream: Substitute 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

* Coffee Buttercream: Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder to the icing.

* Lemon Buttercream: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest.

Let me know if you have any other icing questions, or if you want a recipe for a specific kind of icing!