Fluffy Vanilla Frosting

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter room temperature

1 pound (4 cups) confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. With an electric mixer, beat butter on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes.

2. Reduce speed to medium. Add the confectioners' sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of the bowl as needed; after every two additions, raise speed to high and beat 10 seconds to aerate frosting, then return to medium. This process should take about 5 minutes. Frosting will be very pale and fluffy.

3. Add vanilla and beat until frosting is smooth. If not using immediately frosting can be refrigerate up to 10 days in an airtight container. Before using bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes.

Makes about 4 cups. Great on children's cakes, can be tinted with food color. Add a drop at a time and stir with a flexible spatula until well combined before adding more. Martha Steward Recipe.