This hard-drying icing, tinted with food coloring, is used to decorate cookies. Use meringue powder in order to avoid raw egg whites in this uncooked frosting. Meringue powder is available wherever cake- decorating equipment is sold.

1 (16 ounce) package confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
1/3 cup warm water
Assorted food colorings (optional)

In a bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat confectioners sugar, meringue powder and water until blended and mixture is so stiff that a knife drawn through it leaves a clean-cut path, about 5 minutes.

If desired, tint frosting with assorted food colorings; keep covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Use a small metal spatula, artists paint brushes or decorating bag with small writing tips to decorate with frosting. (You may need to thin frosting with a little warm water to obtain right spreading or piping consistency.)

Makes about 3 cups.