PEPPERMINT MERINGUES

I've never been a huge fan of Meringues but than someone changed my life and told my to put them in my coffee or tea in the mornings. That was a life changer for me, and I've been a fan every since. They are so creamy and delicious. The perfect amount of crunch and sweetness. This morning while I was laying in bed, I had a wonderful idea to make a traditional meringue cookie sprinkled with peppermint crushed candy canes on top. They are everything I hoped for and more. So simple to make and they wrap up nicely to give as gifts this season.

ngredients:
2 egg whites
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
2 crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 225F
2. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add salt and cream of tartar and beat until a soft peak forms. Gradually add sugar. Beating until stiff peaks form. About 10 minutes in total.
3. Fill piping bag with meringue mixture. Pipe onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
4. Bake for 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
5. Turn off oven and let meringues sit in the oven to completely cool (about an hour). Store in a airtight container. Enjoy!

I promise you won't be disappointed if you decide to make these. They are literally the "forgotten" treat. You leave them in the mixer for awhile, and then leave them in the oven even longer.