Festive Meringue Christmas Trees

Name: Festive Meringue Christmas Trees
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: about 26 meringues
Ingredients: 3 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1-1/2 teaspoons clear or regular vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; Dash salt; 2/3 cup sugar; Green food coloring; Assorted sprinkles; Star nonpareils; Confectioners' sugar, optional

These meringues are eye-catching on the dessert table at a holiday party, and they taste heavenly! Look no further for the perfect treat to get you into the Christmas spirit. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons clear or regular vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Dash salt
2/3 cup sugar
Green food coloring
Assorted sprinkles
Star nonpareils
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 200°. In a large bowl, add egg whites, vanilla, cream of tartar and salt; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes. Tint with green food coloring and mix thoroughly.
Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag; insert a large #828 open star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. Pipe 2-in.-diameter tree shapes 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets; top with sprinkles and a star nonpareil.
Bake until firm to the touch, about 3 hours. Turn off oven and open door all the way; leave meringues in oven until cool. Remove meringues from parchment. If desired, sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.