Mint Meringues

These little white puffs of decadence are so festive for Christmas when the candy canes are plentiful. This would also be great for a gift in a pretty Christmas tin tucked away in some tissue paper.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Yields: 6 dozen

Ingredients

• 4  egg whites
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1  cup sugar
• 4  peppermint  candy canes, crushed

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Sprinkle with salt and cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased foil or parchment paper; sprinkle with crushed candy.
3. Bake at 225 degrees for 1 1/2 hours Turn off the heat; leave cookies in the oven with the door ajar for at least 1 hr or until cool.
4. Store in an airtight container.
5. **NOTE: You can substitute spearmint candy canes or mix the two for a different mint flavor. YUM!