Sparkling Kisses

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 250F Lightly grease (or line with parchment) two large baking sheets.
2. 2
   In large bowl, beat egg whites till foamy, then add salt and cream of tartar.
3. 3
   Add sugar gradually, continuing to beat, until meringue is thick and glossy and forms stiff peaks.
4. 4
   Stir in vanilla or other flavoring at the end.
5. 5
   Drop meringue by tablespoonfuls (a tablespoon cookie scoop works well here - I actually used a pastry dispenser with the star attachment) onto prepared baking sheets.
6. 6
   Sprinkle each with sparkling sugar crystals.
7. 7
   Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the kisses cool in the unopened oven (don't peek!)
8. 8
   for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (1 1/2 to 2 hours for meringues that are chewy in the center, rather than crisp all the way through).