Nutty Meringues

MAKES: 4 dozen

PREP: 1 Hr 8 Min

COOK TIME: 10 Min

Meringues look so fancy, yet they're really simple to make. Whip these up for serving with almond gelato and you'll have an Old World treat with New World appeal.

What You'll Need

4 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 cup blanched almonds, finely chopped

What to Do

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, with an electric beater on high speed, beat egg whites and salt 2 to 3 minutes, or until stiff and glossy. Gradually add sugar and lemon peel and beat until mixture forms soft peaks.
Fold in chopped almonds and drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets.
Bake 10 minutes. Turn off oven and leave in oven 1 hour with door closed. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

You can serve these with Almond Gelato on the side or, if you prefer, make the meringues slightly larger than directed, then flatten them out so you can scoop the gelato right on top of them.