Perfect Meringue

The title says it all; this is very, very good. I've used this recipe several times since I got it in my homemaking class in high school, circa 1965.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 1 pie

Ingredients

• 3  egg whites
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  flavoring (optional)

Directions

1. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy.
2. Gradually beat sugar a little at a time.
3. Continue beating until stiff and glassy. Don't underbeat.
4. Beat until all sugar is dissolved.
5. Beat in flavoring (optional).
6. Pile meringue onto hot pie filling, being careful to seal meringue onto edge of crust to prevent shrinking and weeping.
7. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes until delicately browned.