Adapted from Mary Poppins in the Kitchen
15 minutes preparation time
40-45 minutes, baking time, plus an hour for cooling
3 eggs
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
food coloring (optional)
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Lightly butter and flour two baking sheets.
Beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium-high speed. Add the salt and cream of tartar and mix until the mixture holds its shape. Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is shiny and quite firm. Using a tablespoon, drop the mixture onto the baking sheets, leaving an inch or more between the meringues.
Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the meringues are firm to the touch. Turn the oven off and let the meringues sit in the oven for an additional hour with the oven door open. Serve immediately.
The meringues will keep in an airtight container for a few days.