Lemon Meringue Kisses

These are a perfect summer dessert because they are light and airy, and would go perfectly with summer berries. They take a little time to beat the egg whites, but they are really good! I think they're best after being stored (in an air tight container) for a couple days. Make these on a day that's not too humid and definitely NOT on a rainy day! Meringues hate moisture.

I got this recipe from Sandra Lee's Semi Homemade Cooking Light, but I can't quite figure out how it's only "semi" homemade. Maybe because I didn't make my own vanilla and lemon extract ? When I think semi homemade I think just assembling things that come already made to make a meal out of them... but in any case, it doesn't matter, just probably means I had way too much time on my hands while I was standing there beating egg whites!

Lemon Kisses

4 large egg whites

1 t grated lemon zest

1/8 t salt

1/8 t lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1 t vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

3 drops yellow food coloring

1. Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (or a Silpat works).

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine egg whites, lemon zest, salt, and lemon juice. Beat on low speed of an electric mixer about 30 seconds or until foamy. Beat on high speed about 1 minute or until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating until combined. Scrap down side of bowl as needed. Add vanilla extract, lemon extract, and food coloring. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Mixture will be glossy.

3. Place the mixture in a pastry bag fitted with 1/2 inch star tip. Pipe kisses onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 1/2 inches apart. Place both baking sheets in preheated oven.

4. Bake for 16 minutes. Rotate sheets front to back and top to bottom. Bake 16 minutes more. Turn off oven and let kisses stand in oven for 30 minutes.

5. Remove baking sheets from oven. Transfer parchment paper with kisses from baking sheet to a flat surface. Cool completely. Gently peel the kisses from parchment paper.

AND THE BEST PART!:

Per kiss: 24 calories, 0 g fat