Hi, I would like to make Antonia's cookies for a baby shower but I am curious is there anything we can substitute for the meringue powder for the icing?

Thanks for any help.

You can purchase meringue powder from speciality cake decorating suppliers such as

http://www.bakerysugarcraft.com.au/default.asp

http://www.cakedecoratingcentral.com.au/

OR use an original Royal Icing recipe:

ROYAL ICING (Egg White Recipe)
3 egg whites, room temperature
500 g icing sugar
1/2 ts cream of tartar
Combine ingredients, beat at high speed for 7-10 minutes. Royal icing is a hard drying icing. Keep covered with a damp cloth.
Notes: To thin, add 3 to 4 tablespoons water, a small amount at a time until icing is the consistency of heavy cream. "Paint" icing onto cookies with a pastry brush.

ROYAL ICING
2 egg whites, or 5 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 1/2 cup water.
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons water
4 cups Icing Sugar
Slowly blend all ingredients together in an electric mixer. Then beat at medium speed about 5 minutes until the icing forms stiff peaks. If necessary, add more sugar to stiffen or a few drops of water to soften. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Stir to restore to original consistency, but do not beat again. When working with Royal Icing, cover the bowl with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Makes 2 1/2 Cups
Notes: To cover a biscuit, thin down the icing with a few drops of water.