frost yourself

do yourselves a favor, folks, and avoid

at all costs

frosting in a can.

i'm all about ease, and even whipped up a box (gasp!)

betty crocker french vanilla cake mix for j's bday this week.

delicious, actually.

but homemade frosting is always a must.

even for a herd of 4-year-olds.

basic chocolate buttercream icing

(i used keeping up's):

1/2 c butter, softened

3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 c cocoa powder, sifted

1/4 c milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

cream butter in a mixer, then beat in 3 cups powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla.

continue adding powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.