Adaptable Buttercream Frosting

In large bowl, beat together sugar, butter, vanilla and milk until smooth. If necessary, add more milk until frosting is spreading consistency. Add a few drops of food coloring if you wish. Stir to blend.

Basic recipe makes enough to fill and frost a 2-layer cake or a 13\"x9\" sheet cake or 2 dozen cupcakes.

*Maraschino cherry juice can be used instead if you like the taste. Start with a tablespoon of cherry juice before adding more to see if you like the flavor. If you want it stronger, use more juice and forget the milk. If you don\'t want a strong cherry flavor, use part milk with the juice.

Chocolate buttercream frosting: Melt 2 squares (1 oz ea) unsweetened chocolate over low heat in double boiler until just melted. Stir into above buttercream frosting mixture.