Homemade decorating icing is easy to make, and it contains just a handful of ingredients. The consistency is easy to control, and it dries hard.

• 2 egg whites
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  
• Pinch salt
  
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  
• Food coloring as needed

Combine ingredients in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until of flowing consistency, neither too thick nor too thin. Add food coloring as desired. Keep covered with a damp cloth to keep the icing from hardening. Takes about 24 hours to harden.

First Published: October 21, 2004, 4:00 a.m.