low carb

You don’t have to skip parties just because you have diabetes. Learn how to navigate high-calorie party foods without ruining your diet.

Makes 3 dozen; serving size 1 meringue

Whether you're hosting a cookie swap party or looking for a low-calorie cookie to leave for Santa (he could certainly lose a few pounds), these light and airy cookies should hit the spot. I first created this recipe with the holidays in mind, but as far as I'm concerned, they're amazing any time of the year. The main ingredients in meringues are egg whites and sugar; they don't contain flour, so if you're on a gluten or wheat-free diet you can eat them without worry.

Ingredients:
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, optional *
1/4 cup finely crushed candy canes or peppermint candy

Instructions:
1. Line two large baking sheets with aluminum foil and set aside.

2. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until whites stand in stiff, glossy peaks. This will take about 10 minutes. Beat in the peppermint extract as desired.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Drop meringue by rounded tablespoon onto the baking sheets, leaving a 1-inch space in between. Sprinkle tops with crushed candy.

4. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Turn oven off and leave meringues in the oven for an additional 30 minutes.

5. Let meringues cool completely before removing from foil. Store in an airtight container.

* Do not use peppermint extract containing peppermint oil (the meringues will deflate). For best results, use imitation peppermint extract.

Nutrition:
30 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated), 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 0.5g protein

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