How do you make homemade vanilla icing?

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 1 cup granulated sugar

* 2 large egg yolks

* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the milk until the icing is smooth and creamy.

2. Taste the icing and add more vanilla extract or sugar, if desired. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

3. Once chilled, the icing can be used to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Tips

* For a richer icing, use heavy cream instead of milk.

* For a chocolate icing, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the creamed butter and sugar.

* For a fruity icing, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh fruit to the finished icing.

* For a crunchy icing, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the finished icing.