Peppermint Meringues

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 1/8 tsp Sweetzfree (≈12 drops)
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• Optional: red, green, or silver gel food coloring

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place the egg whites, Sweetzfree, and cream of tartar in a large metal or glass bowl.
3. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bottom touch the water). Whisk until the mixture is very warm, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and beat on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until soft peaks form. Beat in peppermint extract.
5. For festive swirls, paint vertical stripes of gel coloring inside a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip.
6. Spoon the meringue into the bag and pipe 1-inch circles onto prepared sheets.
7. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the outside is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.