Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

from Joyofbaking.com

2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk or light cream

food colors, if desired

In an electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream the butter until smooth and well blended. Add the vanilla extract.  With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the sugar.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.  Add the milk and beat on high speed until frosting is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add a little more milk or sugar, if needed.  Tint the frosting with desired food color.

Flower Cupcakes

from Ina Garten

18 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 cups sugar

6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour (we used cake flour)

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin pans with paper liners.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed, until light and fluffy. On medium speed, add the eggs, 2 at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and stir until smooth.

Sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until just combined. Fill the cupcake liners to the top with batter. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool to room temperature.