Debbie's Buttercream Icing

1 stick butter at room temperature
1/4 c. cream cheese
vanilla
3-4 c. powdered sugar*

Cream all ingredients together with electric mixer until thickened and smooth. Spread on dessert. (Cream cheese can be omitted)

* depending on how much you are needing. I have also made this icing thinner for spreading on cookies.

3/4 box confectioners sugar
1 stick butter, room temperature
1 t. flavoring (I have used vanilla, lemon, orange)
a little milk**
food coloring, if desired

**adding 6 T. milk to this basic recipe produces a nice thick buttercream icing. 8 T. makes a thinner one. 10 T. makes a nice thin glaze like icing for cookies