On the Third Day of Love.....

This post is taking me forever to start because I actually have 2 kidlets napping, so I can guilt free watch Nothing But Trailers. I'm that luny that want to be an hour early to a movie so I can catch all the nerdy trivia they play before the movie starts as well as the all the previews. I usually forget what movie we're going to see because I'm so excited for the movies that aren't even out yet!

 OK OK, on with the love fest . . . . Love of sugar, that is!

On the third day of love, my true love brought to me... Cinnamon Heart Meringues!

I love the versatility of a good meringue recipe. One that you can whip up (literally) in a few minutes and add color or flavour and then pipe them or just dump it out of a cookie sheet and bake away!

Just a few simple ingredients that I had in my pantry and some eggs, which I did have to go out to buy after  I discovered Ben had used a WHOLE carton for breakfast and burnt the first batch (this is because he cooks on gas mark 19 instead of 2.) makes a simple and elegant treat that is a perfect side to any Latte or cup of tea.

Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees. (seems low, but it's true)

Just 3 egg whites

1/4 tsp of cream of tartar

3/4 cup of super fine sugar (I used regular sugar but blitzed it in a food processor)

1 tsp of cinnamon. I used Vietnamese cinnamon, I've been told it has a warmer taste and I totally fell for it. But truthfully, you can use whatever you've got.

Red or pink food coloring, I like the gel kind, makes me feel all Martha-y.

I split the it into 2 batches so I could color them light pink and dark pink.

Whip the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.

Add cream of tartar.

Whip until soft peaks form. 

Add sugar 1-2 tablespoons at a time.

Whip until the mixture is glossy, smooth and form stiff peaks.

Stir in cinnamon.

You can drop this mixture by the spoonful or you can pipe the meringue like I did into what ever shape you want. I chose hearts, and some X's and O's. But you could do anything, any color of any occasion. I told you it was versatile!!

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off oven and leave inside for 2-3 hours. I peaked a bunch and took them out after 2 hours, probably why they cracked?? Or maybe my oven is too dry, if that's possible.

Pre-Oven..

Baked and all shimmered up! I used Pink Pearl dust from Wilton (AKA Drink Sparkles!)

These have a really delicate cinnamon flavour, not strong like the heart candies. They melt in your mouth and are delish! 

Just a side note, if you don't want to use cinnamon, they are AMAZING with out it!