Meringues****

By Gigirox

Ingredients

• 3 medium egg whites
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup sugar ( super fine is best)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Note: another recipe or simple formula is 1 part egg white-1 1/2 part sugar.

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200F*
Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a dry glass or stainless steel bowl (if using an electric mixer, do this at medium speed rather than high speed, which will take a bit longer but give the meringues more strength) until foamy.
Continue mixing until they are fairly stiff.
Beat in the sugar in a slow stream.
Beat until very stiff and shiny.
Add in vanilla and mix in for 30 seconds.
Transfer to a piping bag (or use a couple of spoons) and shape the meringues on a paper lined baking tray or silicone mat.
Bake for 90 minutes.
Cool on wire racks.
Store in an air-tight container.If you want to make meringue nests, start in the centre, work out in a tight spiral, then build up the sides.
Please do follow my instructions about the mixing speed. If you mix them on high, the meringues will not be as strong and could develop unsightly bubbles.
There are many of things you can add to meringues in terms of flavouring - vanilla essence, almond essence, and cocoa for chocolate meringues are just a few examples. If you do add flavouring, always add it at the end, once the meringue is stiff.

*great topped with ganache...