Peppermint Meringues
1st January, 2010 - Posted by Emily - Comments
For cookie #5 of 2009, here’s a cute cookie that will look great on your cookie plate. Meringues: it took me a few times to get the spelling right on that word! You need just a few ingredients and a few free hours in your oven. This cookie is also a regular on the menu of the Annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza with my friend Sara Beth (see previous post).
Peppermint Meringues
Adapted from Martha Stewart
3 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Red gel-paste food coloring (Note: you can find this in the cake decorating section of your craft store, like Michael’s)
Heat oven to 175 degrees. Fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat. Set aside.
To make cookies, heat the eggs whites and sugar over a double boiler, stirring gently until sugar is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to bowl of electric stand mixer with whisk attachment. Mix on high speed until stiff peaks form (should look like this). Stir in peppermint extract.
Use a new, clean paintbrush to paint 2 or 3 stripes of food coloring on the inside of the piping bag. Fill the bag with meringue and pipe stars onto baking sheets.
Bake until crisp, but not brown – about 1 hour 40 minutes. Cool completely on cookie sheet. Enjoy – they melt in your mouth!