Vanilla Bean Frosting

I am sure we have all had vanilla frosting before.  But have you had vanilla BEAN frosting?  Just like the ice cream, I believe that vanilla bean is the way to go!  It gives whatever you're making a much more strong and full vanilla flavor that you just can't reach with vanilla extract.  Vanilla beans can transform your food's flavor and take it up a level.  Try making vanilla bean frosting for your next batch of cupcakes, I promise once you try it, you won't want to look back!

Vanilla Bean Frosting:

1 cup butter (2 sticks) room temperature

pulp of 1 vanilla bean

8-9 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup heavy cream

Start by creaming the butter for 2 minutes.  Scrape the pulp from the bean and add it into the butter.  Mix until well incorporated.  Mix in salt.  Slowly add the powdered sugar, a little at a time.  When it gets thick, add a little cream to thin it out.  Continue alternately adding powdered sugar and cream until it reaches the desired consistency.  Add more cream for a thinner texture, or more powdered sugar for a thicker texture.