1/3 c. water
2 egg whites
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tbsp. maple syrup (or 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar, if you don't have syrup)
1 tsp. vanilla

In top of double boiler, combine egg whites, brown sugar, syrup and water. Beat together 1 minute. Place over rapidly boiling water and beat constantly for 7 minutes. Frosting is done when stiff peaks form as beater are raised from the pan. Remove from heat, beat in vanilla and beat until stiff enough to frost cake.