My grandmother loved baking. Every year we would get a box of her Christmas cookies. Interesting choice for a good Jewish lady, but it was tradition. I imagine she gave boxes to all of her friends as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My mother learned to cook from Grandma. Mom taught my children. Here we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meringues are my favorite. The children loved them too, so they learned to make them. Now you can. Meringues are incredibly simple to make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 large egg whites, at room temperature<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1\/2 teaspoon vanilla extract <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1\/8 teaspoon cream of tartar <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3\/4 cup granulated sugar\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Directions<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preheat your oven to 225. 200 if your oven runs hot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Line one or two sheet pans with parchment paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a mixer, mix egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar. Beat until frothy and soft peaks form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add sugar one tablespoon at a time. Mix for 15 seconds between each addition. The goal is smooth and fluffy. Beat for 5 minutes more. Goal is fluffy and shiny, not dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drop onto baking sheets leaving one inch between cookies. Alternatively, pipe out cookies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bake for 45 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
LEAVE OVEN DOOR CLOSED. Turn off oven and let cookies cool. Grandma and mom always just left them overnight. Store in airtight container. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goal is almost a dried not baked cookie. The bottoms should be white, not golden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatives: Add tablespoon of Menichino Cherry juice to the eggs before beating. Cookies will be pink. Add chocolate chips. Who doesn’t like chocolate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n