Meringue Candy Canes: A Sweet and Festive Holiday Treat

Meringue candy canes are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are made by whipping egg whites and sugar together until stiff peaks form. The mixture is then piped into candy cane shapes and baked until crispy. Meringue candy canes can be made in a variety of flavors, including peppermint, vanilla, and chocolate.

How to Make Meringue Candy Canes

To make meringue candy canes, you will need the following ingredients:

* 3 egg whites
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Red and green food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract. Divide the batter in half and color one half red and the other half green.
4. Fit a pastry bag with a star tip. Fill the pastry bag with the red batter and pipe candy cane shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the green batter.
5. Bake for 1-2 hours, or until the candy canes are crispy.
6. Let cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making Meringue Candy Canes

* Use fresh eggs for best results.
* Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating.
* Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will help the candy canes hold their shape.
* Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites. This will cause the candy canes to be tough.
* Bake the candy canes until they are crispy. This will help prevent them from becoming sticky.
* Let the candy canes cool completely before serving. This will help them set and become less fragile.

Variations on Meringue Candy Canes

There are many different ways to customize meringue candy canes. Here are a few ideas:

* Add flavorings to the batter, such as peppermint extract, vanilla extract, or chocolate chips.
* Color the candy canes with different food colors.
* Decorate the candy canes with sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy melts.
* Dip the candy canes in melted chocolate or caramel.

Meringue candy canes are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a sweet and festive treat, give meringue candy canes a try!