1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 unbeaten egg white
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, water and cream of tartar in microwave safe 1 quart container. Microwave on high 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until boiling. Stir once to dissolve sugar towards end of cooking. Be sure sugar is completely dissolved. Very slowly, with electric mixer running, add sugar mixture to unbeaten egg white in medium mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla.

Frost an 8 or 9 inch layer cake or 9 x 13 inch cake or 2 dozen cupcakes or 10 inch tube cake.

Variation: Beat in 1 teaspoon sifted cocoa along with vanilla.

This makes a small amount of frosting. If you prefer thicker frosting double the recipe and microwave 3 or 4 minutes or until boiling.