Seven-minute Frosting

1 cups (10 ounces) sugar

2 large egg whites

6 tablespoons cold water

1½ tablespoons light corn syrup

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the sugar, egg whites, water, corn syrup, cream of tartar and salt in a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Set the bowl over a large saucepan of barely simmering water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.

Heat the mixture, whisking constantly, until it registers about 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 5-10 minutes.

Remove bowl from heat and whip with an electric mixer on medium speed until it forms soft peaks. Add the vanilla, increase speed to medium-high and continue to whip until the mixture has cooled to room temperature and formed stiff, glossy peaks, 5-7 minutes. Use immediately.

Makes 5 cups, enough for a 2- or 3-layer cake.

"America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book" (2008 America's Test Kitchen, $34.95)