START TO FINISH: 15 minutes MAKES: about 5 cups

Marshmallow Crème Dessert Topping

What You’ll Need

1½ cups sugar

⅓ cup cold water

2 egg whites

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make It

1. In a 3-quart top of a double boiler combine sugar, the cold water, egg whites, and cream of tartar. Beat with mixer on low 30 seconds.

2. Place over boiling water (upper pan should not touch water). Cook, beating constantly with the mixer on high, about 10 minutes or until frosting forms stiff peaks (tips stand straight) and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the mixture reaches 145°F for 3 minutes or 160°F for 15 seconds. Scrape pan occasionally. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat 2 to 3 minutes more or until frosting reaches spreading consistency.

Marshmallow-Coffee CrÈme dessert Topping: Prepare as directed, except add 1 Tbsp. coffee liqueur or strong brewed coffee with the vanilla in Step 2.

PER ½ CUP TOPPING, PLAIN OR VARIATION: 102 cal., 0 g fat, 0 mg chol., 10 mg sodium, 25 g carb., 0 g fiber, 1 g pro.

1. To create double-boiler, place a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan. Add only about 1 inch of water to the bottom of the double boiler.

2. Bring the water to boiling. In the top bowl, beat the egg white mixture on low just until combined.

3. Beat on high for 10 minutes or until it reaches stiff peaks. Check the temperature after 10 minutes. For safety, it should maintain a temperature of 145°F for 3 minutes (or 160°F for 8 minutes).