How to Make Poor Man's Cooked Frosting

Poor Man's Frosting has roots in the Depression era. Cooks were forced to improvise when some food items became scarce, and this icing made the most of small amounts of some basic ingredients. Some versions are made with granulated sugar, but confectioner's sugar makes the icing much smoother and creamier.

Things You'll Need

• 1 stick butter
• 4 tbsp. flour
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Double boiler
• Bowl
• Electric mixer

Instructions

1. In a double boiler, bring the water in the bottom pan to a medium rolling boil.

2. In the top boiler, cook the flour with the milk until the mixture is thick. Stir it constantly to remove all lumps, then let it cool.

3. Combine the sugar, shortening and vanilla in an electric mixer. Beat them together for 10 minutes or until you have a creamy mix. Blend this with the cooled flour and milk mixture to complete the frosting.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results sift the flour mixture through a strainer.

• Add any food coloring when you add the vanilla, sugar and shortening.

References

• Cooks: Poor Man's Frosting