Peppermint Meringue

This just melts in your mouth. It's so light and airy. It's super easy to make, but does take a while to bake and cool.

PEPPERMINT MERINGUE

(makes 24)

Ingredients:

*3 egg whites

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter

*1/2 cup white sugar

*1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

*1 peppermint candy cane, crushed fine

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

~Line 2 cookie sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

~In a large bowl, beat 3 egg whites, 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter, to form soft peaks.

~Slowly add1/2 cup granulated  sugar, beating until egg whites form stiff peaks.

~Drop spoonfuls 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.

~Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy cane over meringues.

~Bake for 1 1/2 hours (meringues should be completely dry on inside but not brown on the outside).

~Turn oven off.

~Open the oven a little, and let meringues sit in oven until cooled.

~Remove from pan.

~Store covered, in a cool dry place.