Whipped Frosting - Everyday Food

This is to compliment the other three recipes I have posted - Versatile Lemon Cake, Versatile Chocolate Cake, Versatile Vanilla cakes. I am posting these recipes here because I don't want to lose them!

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 5 cups

Ingredients

• 3  large  egg whites
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  pinch salt
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, salt and water. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar has dissolved (or mixture registers 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), 2-3 minutes.
2. Transfer to a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until glossy, stiff peaks form (do not overbeat!), about 3 minutes; reduce speed to low and add vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
3. Use immediately.
4. Chocolate Variation: top frosted cake with shaved dark chocolate.
5. Lemon Variation: substitute 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for vanilla extract.