whipped heaven

i found myself wanting to play with meringue today

which might seem silly 

because it was raining 

 and

"they" say you shouldn't  make meringue when it is raining 

i think "they" are wrong

and

 i couldn't shake the slideshow in my head

 of fluffy, sugary-white meringue

it billowed in my mind

and melted like spring snow on my tongue  

I just love it

and you can probably expect quite a few posts about it  these next few days

especially since valentine's day is rearing its

darling little head

upon our days

cupid's wings

Meringue

(printable recipe)

3 large egg whites at room temperature

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

Make sure the beater and bowl are extremely clean and free of any oil or fats.  Beat whites on low until foamy. Add salt and then kick up the speed to medium. Add cream of tartar.  Begin to slowly add the sugar "raining" it into the egg whites.  Continue to beat until soft peaks form, then add vanilla.  Beat to stiff and firm peaks.

If you over-beat, you will see moisture starting to "weep" from the whites.  If this happens, start over!