Peppermint Meringues

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs whites
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red gel food coloring

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 200 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Have ready a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Add water to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. In a very clean large glass or metal bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar. Place bowl over simmering water being sure that the bowl isn't touching the water.
3. Whisking egg whites constantly, cook the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is very warm. This will only take about 3 minutes.
4. With a mixer on low speed, mix until frothy then increase speed to hight and beat until soft glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes. Add the peppermint extract and beat to incorporate.
5. Remove 1 tablespoon of the meringue and transfer to a small bowl. Add a few drops of the food coloring to achieve desired shade of red. Using a skewer or small paintbrush, paint 3 vertical stripes on the inside of the pastry bag.
6. Very gently spoon the remaining meringue into the pastry bag, taking care not to smear the red stripes.
7. Pipe stars onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20-30 minutes for small stars or 30-40 minutes for large stars, until the meringues are just set on the outside.
8. Remove from oven and move meringues still on the parchment paper onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!

Notes