Step 1

Heat oven to 300 degrees

Step 2

Line a large cookie sheet with brown paper bag or parchment paper

Step 3

Draw the desired size circle or circles using a pencil onto the paper

Step 4

In large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy

Step 5

Gradually add sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time, beating continuously at high speed until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes or so

Step 6

Beat in vanilla

Step 7

Spoon meringue onto circles on prepared cookie sheet building up sides with back of spoon

Step 8

Place in 300 degree oven and reduce heat to 250 degrees

Step 9

Bake for 40-60 minutes or until firm and dry to touch (inside of meringue will be soft) I allow mine to sit in oven for up to an hour afterwards to firm up a bit more

Step 10

Remove from oven; cool completely

Step 11

Carefully remove meringue from paper

Step 12

Place on serving plate and fill with whipped cream and fresh fruit

Step 13

Refrigerate until serving or eat right away!!