Basic Meringues

Directions

1. 1
   Beat the egg whites in a large mixing bowl with electric mixer at high speed for 5 minutes or until stiff, but not dry.
2. 2
   Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar over the whites and beat for 3 minutes longer.
3. 3
   Sprinkle the remaining sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, over the white mixture and fold in gently but thoroughly using a rubber spatula.
4. 4
   Drop by heaping table spoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto oiled brown paper over cookie sheets.
5. 5
   Bake in preheated 250-degree oven for 55 minutes.
6. 6
   Take from oven and immediately remove from paper onto cooling rack VARIATIONS: CHOCOLATE MERINGUES: Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa with the sugar and beat into egg whites as dir