Buttercream Frosting

1 cup sugar

1/8 tsp cream of tartar

dash salt

1/4 cup water

2 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup butter

1. Combine sugar, cream of tartar, salt + water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until a little of the syrup dropped into water forms a soft ball that holds it's shape.

2. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Add syrup to egg whites very slowly, beating constantly. Add vanilla & cool thoroughly. 

3. Cream butter well. Add egg - white mixture to butter 2 or 3 tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. 

Variations:

Chocolate: 3 squares chocolate

Mocha: 2 sq chocolate + 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder

Strawberry: 1/2 cup strawberry preserves.