BASIC MERINGUES*

from Epicurious, 2006

**INGREDIENTS**
  * 1 c granulated sugar
  * 1 c superfine sugar
  * 8 egg whites
  * 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  * 1.4 tsp salt
  * 1 tsp extract

**INSTRUCTIONS**
  * Preheat oven 250˚
  * Line baking sheets with parchment paper
  * Mix sugars, set aside
  * In mixer, beat egg whites until foamy. Add tartar and salt, then continue to beat, adding sugar a tblsp at a time. 
  * Add extract and beat at high speed until glossy, stiff peaks form.
  * You can use a pastry tube to pipe the meringue in coils. To make bases for Pavlova, make an indentation in the middle. 
  * Bake an hour, until cream colored and firm. Leave in the oven that's turned off for another hour or two without opening the door. Overnight would work too. 
  * Store in plastic bags and seal airtight. 

*CAN BE HACKED:
  * for peppermint meringues, use peppermint extract, top with crushed peppermint sticks before cooking
  * for lemon, add lemon extract, add zest of a lemon
  * can add mini chocolate chips, crushed almonds, etc. Use your imagination.