1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup boiling water
2 eggs, separated (pasteurized)
1 tsp. vanilla or 1 tbsp. rum

In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter and boiling water; simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Beat eggs yolks well.

Add a few tablespoons of the hot mixture into the eggs; stir in rapidly. Add the egg mixture into the hot mixture and cook 4 minutes, then beat well.

Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Flavor with vanilla. Gently fold in just before serving.