Peppermint Meringues

     These would be so wonderful to make up as holiday gifts for co-workers, your kids teachers, your neighbor(s) and friends.  Super easy, beautiful and perfect addition to a cup of hot tea, cocoa or coffee on a chilly Winter day ~

Peppermint Meringues

3 large egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
24 small chocolate peppermint candies (such as York Peppermint Patties)
*Optional:  baking jimmies or colored sugar/glitter to sprinkle over the tops

Heat oven to 250 degrees.  Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg white and cream of tartar until frothy.  Gradually add the sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until incorporated.  Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes; beat in the vanilla.

Spoon 24 level tablespoons of the meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.  Place 1 peppermint candy in the center of each meringue and press it down very slightly.  Top each peppermint candy with another tablespoon meringue, spreading it over the candy to completely cover and seal it in.

Bake until the meringues are firm and dry, 60 to 70 minutes. *Sprinkle with optional baking jimmies or colored sugar/glitter if desired.   Let cool for 15 minutes before servings.

Makes 24

From Rachel Ray...Pecan Pie Popcorn

I had some free time last night to begin reading my newest edition of EveryDay with Rachel Ray.  This recipe sounded SO good that I wanted to share with those of you who may not read her magazine.  Also, as I was reading, I kept thinking this would be wonderful packaged up and given as gifts for teachers, neighbors, the bus driver, etc.  Another idea would be to include this treat as part of a gift basket with the theme of "A night in" or something along those lines---include some DVD's or board games that your recipient(s) would love as well as other snacks and hot cocoa mix, a snuggle throw....I could go on, but use YOUR imagination and have fun with it!

Pecan Pie Popcorn

1/2 C maple syrup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/4 tsp. salt
7 cups popped pocorn
3/4 C chopped pecans

In pan, cook syrup and sugar over medium heat, whisking, 5 minutes.  Whisk in butter and salt until thickened, 5 minutes.  Mix popcorn, nuts and maple butter on parchment lined sheet.  Spread evenly; bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes. 
Serves 8 (really???  Not in THIS house!)