I like to cook. I like to think I'm a reasonably successful cool. But baking (the cakes and cookies kind) is a different story. Apparently the "wing it" and "by eye" doesn't work that week when you're dealing with actual science.

Still, birthdays happen. Birthdays that require cake happen. And boxed cake mix exists for a reason. BUT . . . no reason not to make your own icing to put on top of that cake!

Simple, fast, easily customized, and delicious. My kind of recipe!

LEMON ICING (or whatever flavor you want to make it)

• 2 sticks butter, cut into pieces and left to soften
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp of vanilla
• zest and juice of one lemon (or an orange. Or ginger. Or peppermint. Or cocoa powder. Or . . .)
• lemonade or water to thin, if required.

1. Soften butter (better not to microwave it. Cut it into smaller pieces and leave it in the sun for a little bit.)
2. Add in sugar and vanilla, then zest lemon right into the bowl. Remove any puts and add the juice.
3. Blend with a hand mixer (or a wooden spoon - the butter better be REALLY soft for this!) until well mixed together. Add water or lemonade if you need to thin it more.
4. YUM!!!