Basic Meringue

Step 1

Preheat oven to 100C.

Step 2

Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.

Step 3

Continue beating and gradually add the sugar.

Step 4

Beat for approximately 2-3 minutes after all of the sugar has been added.

Step 5

The mixture should look glossy and form long stiff peaks.

Step 6

Add the cornflour, vanilla essence, vinegar and food colouring and beat until just combined.

Step 7

Line 2 oven trays with baking paper and pipe or spoon the mixture onto the trays.

Step 8

Bake for 1½ hours, switching the trays in the oven about halfway through cooking.

Step 9

Turn the oven off and leave to cool in the oven for about 3 hours or until completely cooled.