Break or chop the
chocolate into small pieces. Put the chocolate,
icing sugar, butter, milk or cream and vanilla
essence in a heavy-based saucepan.
Stir over a
very low heat until both the chocolate and the
butter have melted. Remove the mixture from the
heat and stir until evenly blended.
Beat the icing
frequently as it cools until it thickens
sufficiently to use for spreading or piping. Use the
icing immediately and work quickly once it has
reached the right consistency.