Instructions: Combine the egg whites, water, sugar, corn syrup, and cream of tartar in the top half of a double boiler. Set over simmering water and immediately begin beating with an electric mixer on high speed for 7 minutes.

Remove from the heat, add the vanilla, and continue beating until the whites are satiny, with firm peaks, about 1 minute. Use immediately.

This recipe yields 10 servings.

Serving size: 1/4 cup.

Comments: This is the marshmallowy, billowy cloud of frosting that makes any cake look ethereal, but its best on cakes with a light crumb, such as the "Birthday Cake" (see recipe). This frosting recipe makes 3 cups, enough to generously frost a two-layer cake. Cakes frosted with Seven-Minute Frosting are best the day theyre made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight cake container up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

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