Buttercream Frosting

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1 lb (4 c.) powdered sugar
3 Tbsp cold milk

Cream butter and shortening together with an electric mixer. Add vanilla and salt. Beat in sugar, 1 c. at a time, blending well after each addition. Scrape sodes and bottom of bowl often with a spatula. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy. Keep frosting covered with lid or damp cloth and store in fridge when not in use.

Makes 3 cups.

Cream Cheese Cookie Dough for Cutouts

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
2 1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract

Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sugar in a large mixing bowl at medium speed until well blended. Add flour and soda; mix well. Chill dough for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 325 degrees.

Makes 2 dzn cookies.

They stay soft forever!

THEME FOR FEBRUARY

This month's theme is:
VALENTINE TREATS!

As always, continue to post any new recipes from the other month's themes at anytime and don't forget to vote for March's theme.