Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

Meringues are easy to make - you just need patience and preferably a standing mixer because then it does all the work and you just have to show up at the end to sprinkle in confectioners sugar like fairy dust.  So, my recipe: Ingredients 2 egg whites 1 tsp. vanilla extract (or any other extract) 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 1/8 tsp. salt 3/4 cup confectioners sugar (1/4 cup more on hand) Couple handfuls chocolate chips (or nuts or coconut or peppermint) Here's what you do with them:    1. Separate the egg whites from the yolks fresh from the fridge because cold eggs separate easiest.  However, if you start beating the whites right away, they really don't do their best work. Let the whites sit for about 30 minutes to give them time to get to room temperature.  Use a metal or glass bowl and be sure that it's as clean as humanly possible.  Any traces of oil or grease and you can beat those things to death and they'll never foam the way you want them to.    2. Prehe