Boiled Icing

I love boiled icing! There is almost nothing better on chocolate cake. Yum! I put it on Tate's birthday cupcakes this year. Some people call it 7-minute frosting. Here's the recipe my mom always used:

2 egg whites
1½ cups sugar
¼ tsp cream of tartar
⅓ cup water
1 tsp vanilla
Food coloring (optional)

Combine egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and water in the top of a double boiler (or heat proof bowl). Beat on high speed with a hand mixer for 1 minute. Place over boiling water (water should not touch bottom of the top pan/bowl). Beat on high speed for 7 minutes. Remove from boiling water and add vanilla and food coloring (I usually leave mine white). Beat 2 minutes on high speed. Frost your cake or cupcakes immediately because icing will set up quickly. It’s best to serve immediately too.