1 lb. confectioners sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Beat together sugar, egg whites and cream of tartar in bowl on low until blended. Beat at high speed about 7 minutes, until knife drawn through icing leaves clean path. Keep unused icing covered with damp cloth. Tint with food coloring as desired. This icing is great for decorating cakes and holiday sugar cookies. Makes 2 1/2 cups.