Meringues

Preparation

1. Step 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.

   Step 2

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

   Step 3

   3. Mix the sugars and set aside.

   Step 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.

   Step 5

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

   Step 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.

   Step 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.

   Step 8

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