Meringues

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 120ºC (110ºC if using fan-forced). Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Whisk the egg whites and salt on low speed of electric mixer until they are frothy. Add cream of tartar. Gradually add the caster sugar a tablespoon at a time, beating between each addition until the mixture is glossy before adding the next tablespoon. Continue until mixture is very stiff. Add the vanilla essence.  Use a piping bag with size 11 tip (or shape the meringues  between two spoons) and pipe onto the prepared trays.  Bake for one hour. Ease meringues with a spatula and leave in the oven another 30 minutes or until dry. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Package in a pretty box lined with tissue paper or cellophane and tie with a bow to give to mum.