Meringues

Directions

1. 1.

   1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.

2. 2.

   2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. On each, draw 10 4-inch circles.

3. 3.

   3. Mix the sugars and set aside.

4. 4.

   4. In a bowl or electric mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt. Continue to beat, adding 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time and beating well after each addition. This will take about 10 minutes.

5. 5.

   5. Add the vanilla and beat at high speed until stiff and glossy.

6. 6.

   6. Using a pastry tube fitted with a large plain tip, pipe the meringue in coils starting at the center and continuing to the outside of each circle.

7. 7.

   7. Bake about 1 hour, until cream colored and firm. Leave the meringues in the turned-off oven for several hours or overnight without opening the oven door.

8. 8.

   8. When ready to serve, carefully peel away the paper or foil.