Mint Twist Meringues

Name: Mint Twist Meringues
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 large egg whites; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup crushed red and green mint candies

Light and airy, these delicate meringues give you a refreshing burst of peppermint. I sprinkle them with crushed mint candies and baking cocoa. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Ingredients

2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup crushed red and green mint candies

Directions

Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 250°. Add cream of tartar and extract to egg whites; 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.
Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a food-safe plastic bag; insert a small star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. Pipe 1-1/2-in.-diameter cookies 2 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with candies.
Bake 40-45 minutes or until firm to the touch. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven 1 hour. Remove from pans to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.