Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from Amy Sedaris's I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. For Sedaris's tips on throwing a Halloween party, click here.

　　This recipe is an accompaniment for Amy Sedaris's Vanilla Cupcakes.

　　

Ingredients

Makes enough for 24 cupcakes

　　1 box confectioners' sugar

　　1 stick unsalted butter

　　1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract*

　　1/4 cup milk or light cream

　　food coloring (optional)

　　*Less than 1 teaspoon pure almond extract can be substituted.

　　

Step 1

In a bowl combine: one box of confectioners' sugar, one stick of unsalted butter, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of milk or light cream and beat for a while. Really whip it, don't be afraid to get in there. I occasionally add food coloring and sometimes substitute pure almond extract for vanilla.

　　

Step 2

If you do choose to add pure almond extract instead of vanilla, you're on your own. I don't know the measurement for it, but I do know it's less than the amount of vanilla you would add.

　　Reprinted with permission from I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris, (C) © 2006, Warner Books.