How to Make Meringue

Want to know how to make meringue? You won't believe how easy it is and just what you can do with these recipes. Check out these adorable meringue ghosts for your Halloween party snacks.

And if you're making meringue cookies for Christmas, they're the perfect party favor and fun to decorate with a little food coloring or dipped in chocolate.

• Meringue Cookie Recipe
• How to Make Meringue for Pies

Meringue Cookie Recipe

• 6 egg whites
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups superfine sugar (ex: "Domino" brand confectioners boxed sugar)

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. Line two pastry sheets with foil.

Beat the egg whites until they are foamy. Add the salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract. continue to beat until the egg whites are stiff. Add the sugar a little at a time and beat in between each addition. After all the sugar is added, beat another 5 minutes.

Scoop the meringue into a pastry bag fixed with a 1/2 inch round tip or simply use a spoon to create a small mound on your pastry sheet.

Reduce the oven heat to 200 degrees just before putting in the merinque cookies. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Meringue cookies should be dry and firm to the touch when they are done.

Pie Meringue

• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vanilla, almond or lemon extract

Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add the sugar little by little, beating between each addition. Continue to until the eggs whites are stiff and glossy. Add the vanilla or other flavoring and beat just enough to combine.

Pile the meringue onto the hot filling. Make sure the meringue touches the pie crust on all sides to prevent shrinking. Use the back of a spoon to swirl and lift the meringue to create little decorative peaks if desired.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in a 400-degree oven. The peaks should be delicately browned when done.

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