Groovy Frosting

We are back from our whirlwind trip to FL and SC, landing ourselves in March Madness – upcoming birthdays, spring break visitors, some racing, state math competitions and Easter. This will be one of those one-day-at-a-time months, not just for survival, but to truly enjoy the moments.

The best way to set that laid back tone? Stepping back into the seventies…..

Fondue made for a really fun dinner party.

We enjoyed the sing-along to favorites…. Bye, bye Miss American Pie…..Let it be, let it be….. remember life before karaoke machines? Like when people played guitars and tambourines? (I know – the cell phone in the photo and the fact that they are reading music off of their ipad, kind of kills the ambiance – but otherwise, awesomely authentic.)

The whole experience was not only a great date-night out, but my kids got into costuming us by researching clothes and hairstyles. We talked about tv shows from the seventies and the music. Once we move and are reunited with our costume box and CDs and photos and everything else we own, I will be instituting family decade nights. We will live and learn history with awesome attire, music and food – watch some classic television and movies – and learn about the events and inventions of the decade. I am already excited about the possibilities.

Back to the party….

We were celebrating a friend’s birthday who was born in the seventies and since it was a birthday, we ate cake.

I had great luck with a new and incredibly simple frosting recipe. (Thank you Pinterest.)

It covered a yellow cake and was dyed and frosted to create a tie-dyed peace sign.

And since they didn’t have Digital SLR cameras in the 70s, there are no photos.

Or maybe because I was so busy applying massive amounts of eye shadow and mascara, I forgot.

So here’s a cupcake wearing what was left over.

I am not usually a vanilla frosting kind of gal, most are too sugary for my liking, but this one had a sneaky ingredient and just when you taste the rich buttery sweetness you taste the hint of sea salt. Sweet, sweet, sweet and then just the tiniest bit salty.

___________________________________________________

VANILLA FROSTING

4 sticks butter (1 lb or 2 cups)

1 lb confectioners sugar (1 box)

1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

a pinch of sea salt (seriously – a tiny bit goes a long way)

• Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on high until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes
• Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the sugar (about 1/4 cup at a time)
• Continue mixing and add the vanilla and salt.
• Keep beating for another minute or two until smooth.
• You will have a beautifully white frosting ready to spread on a cool cake.

Enjoy!