I can't remember how my main recipe is from one of my cooking magazines. But, I've grown up to where my mom just made her frostings from scratch without measuring. I do the same thing part of the time. I mix together powdered sugar (about 2 or so cups), Crisco (plain or butter-flavored), vanilla (1/2 to 1 tsp.), & water or milk (enough for spreading consistency). Don't add too much Crisco or it it'll taste greasy or have the strange taste. I use my either size of my serving spoons (that belongs to my silverware set) for the Crisco. The amount I use will depend on how much frosting I make...1 heaping spoonful...nothing too big. I sometimes use margarine in place of the Crisco...usually about 2 or so tablespoons. For chocolate frosting, I use Hershey's instant cocoa mix. Or, the Hershey's chocolate syrup will work too. Just add enough to suite your taste. For flavored frosting, I use about 1/2 to 1 tsp. or more of any flavoring/extract.
Darlene