Hazelnut Meringue Hearts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside for later.

2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Gently fold in the vanilla extract and cream of tartar, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the meringue mixture.

4. Carefully fold in the finely chopped hazelnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the meringue mixture. For a festive touch, add a drop of pink gel food coloring and gently swirl it through the meringue for a marbled effect.

5. Transfer the hazelnut meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, starting from the center and swirling outwards to create the classic heart shape. Leave space between each meringue heart to allow for slight expansion during baking.

6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meringues for about 1-1.5 hours, or until they are dry and firm to the touch. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar to cool completely.

7. Once cooled, gently remove the hazelnut meringue hearts from the parchment paper and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve these delightful treats on a decorative platter or package them in a beautiful box to gift to friends and family.