To make the frosting:
1. In a medium-size saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes very thick and begins to bubble, 8 to 10 minutes. Cover with waxed paper placed directly on the surface and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, on the medium-high speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter for three minutes, until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously, and mix until fluffy, for three minutes. Add the vanilla and beat well.
3. Add the cooled milk mixture and beat for five minutes, until very smooth and noticeably whiter in color. Add a few drops of red food coloring to give a pink tint to the frosting, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (no less and no longer—set a timer!). Use immediately to frost the cupcakes. If you like, garnish with the coconut (or do some with coconut and some without).

Reprinted from At Home with Magnolia">At Home with Magnolia by Allysa Torey. Copyright 2006. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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