A Nest of Flavor

Basic Meringue Nests (another Martha Stewart)

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees with rack in lower third. Coat two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; line with parchment paper.

2. With an electric mixer, beat 4 egg whites and 1/4 tsp each salt and cream of tarter until spft peaks form. Very gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar, adding 1 Tbsp. at a time; beat until stiff and glossy.

3. Drop 8 mounds of meringue onto prepared baking sheets; twirl a teaspoon in the center of each to spread to a diameter of 4 inches and create a nest. Bake until dry but still white, about 1 1/2 hours, rotating baking sheets halfway through; let cool on sheets.

I hope to serve these little cuties with strawberries and chocolate, but you could also use jelly beans, coconut or a mixture of mangoes and kiwi with a little sugar to sweeten.