Like snowflakes, no two of these meringue hearts are alike.
You dont need any special equipmentjust a couple of spoonsto create their whimsical swooping shapes.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Credit:Carson Downing
Place oven racks in top and lower thirds of the oven.
In a medium bowl combine sugar, cornstarch, and baking powder.
Increase mixer to high speed, adding sugar mixture, 1 Tbsp.
at a time, over a 2 minute period, until mixture still forms soft peaks.
Reduce mixer speed to medium.
Beat in the extract to combine.
Run a metal spatula through the food coloring 1 to 2 times to create streaks.
(The color will continue to incorporate as you portion out the meringues.)
For each heart, spoon 2 to 3 Tbsp.
of the meringue mixture on a prepared baking sheet into two ovals that overlap slightly.
Dip a spoon in water and bring ovals together, pulling to form the tip of the heart.
Repeat with the remaining meringue mixture, spacing hearts 2 inches apart.
Let stand 30 minutes in oven.
Remove and cool on wire racks.
2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
