Meringue Shells

Directions

1. 1
   Early in the day, or up to 5 hours ahead, preheat oven to 200°.
2. 2
   Have egg whites at room temperature.
3. 3
   In small bowl, beat egg whites at highest speed with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
4. 4
   Gradually sprinkle in sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating after each addition for about 2 minutes, or until sugar is completely dissolved.
5. 5
   To test, rub meringue between fingers.
6. 6
   If grainy, continue beating.
7. 7
   It takes about 15 minutes to beat in all sugar.
8. 8
   Add vanilla and continue beating at high speed until mixture stands in stiff, glossy peaks.
9. 9
   Put into pie plate, smoothing it at the center and piling it high on the sides to form a shell.
10. 10
    Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes.