project wedding cake: swiss buttercream

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of egg whites (approx. 12 large)
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 cups butter, softened (2 1/2 pounds, 10 sticks)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 26 tablespoons butter, softened (3 sticks plus 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• (or enough to cover and fill the 4-inch cake pictured)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg white
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla