Seven-Minute Boiled Icing

A classic icing, its pure white color with an attractive sheen is the perfect icing for a wedding cake, but also ideal when you're adding color.

In medium saucepan, bring syrup ingredients to a boil; lower heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.

In large bowl, beat meringue powder and 1/2 cup water with electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. With mixer running, slowly add syrup to meringue mixture; continue beating on high 4 minutes.

YIELD: Makes about 6 cups icing.