I have been searching for this recipe for over 20 years. A friend of mine in Michigan used it for a coconut cake and when I moved I lost contact with her, as well as my recipe book with all my favorites. NOW I can finally make icing that works for me. As SEVERAL people have said, this works only with butter, not margarine, though you can use shortening. The flour and milk must be COLD before you combine it with the other ingredients, not just room temperature. Otherwise, it is gooey and not at all what you are looking for. I put mine in the freezer when I take it off the stove and leave it for about 20 minutes or more until it is very well chilled. Do not take it off the stove until it is so thick that it is a paste, not a white sauce. Other than that, you should always be successful. Good luck!