Is there actually a works-every-time, delicious recipe or method for buttercream icing?

[Stopmithering]

Am I missing something?
I follow recipes to the letter but don't seem to be able to make that lovely light buttercream you get on posh cupcakes.
Is it the recipe?
Do I need a piping bag?
Help!!

I am a little wary about adding egg yolk because it might affect the keeping qualities. There are only three of us so a cake would last several days in our house. And they are never nice when they have been refrigerated.

I make a wicked buttercream using a very cheap handheld electric beater. I do beat it for quite a while though. I think the beating is the key.

The hummingbird recipe is a good start.