Meringue Peaks

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Line baking trays with parchment paper or nonstick silicone mats.
2. 2
   Place the egg whites and sugar in a large metal electric-mixer bowl set over simmering water.
3. 3
   Whisk constantly until the sugar melts and the mixture is very thin and warm.
4. 4
   Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk it with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Add the vanilla extract.
6. 6
   Drop the meringue into mounds on the prepared tray with a tablespoon, or fill a disposable piping bag with the meringue and pipe through a star tip.
7. 7
   Bake until firm, about 1 hour.
8. 8
   Turn off the oven and let the drops continue drying until cooked, about 1 more hour.
9. 9
   For a chewier texture, shorten the baking time.
10. 10
    Store in an airtight container.