Tom'S Favorite Frosting
["2 1/2 Tbsp. flour", "1/2 c. milk", "1/2 c. shortening (1/2 butter)", "1/2 c. granulated sugar", "1/4 tsp. salt", "1/2 tsp. vanilla", "2 c. (approximately) confectioners sugar"]
["Blend milk and flour in saucepan.", "Cook slowly to thick paste, stirring constantly.", "Cool to lukewarm.", "Cream shortening, granulated sugar and salt.", "Add the paste by spoonfuls, then beat until smooth and fluffy.", "Fold in vanilla.", "Add confectioners sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating long and well.", "(Don't try this without an electric beater.)", "Weather conditions affect the amount of sugar to bring this frosting to a peak of perfection, so after the first 1 1/2 cups, cut through mixture with a knife to test consistency. Add rest of sugar as needed, beating, beating, beating."]
["flour", "milk", "shortening", "sugar", "salt", "vanilla", "confectioners sugar"]