Will Santa find that you've been naughty this year... or nice? If nice, treat yourself to meringues—airy puffs of sugar and egg white, light as an angel's kiss. If naughty, expect coal!

2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
dash of salt
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (4 ounces) granulated sugar
white glitter for topping, optional

In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a dash of salt. Beat until peaks form, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat till the mixture is stiff and glossy.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe meringues onto the sheet, using a pastry bag and star tip; or drop meringues by large teaspoonfuls onto the sheet. Bake in a preheated 200°F oven for 1 1/2 hours.

Turn the oven off, remove the meringues, and dust with the white glitter; they'll still be slightly tacky, so the glitter should adhere. Return to the turned-off oven, and leave them there till they're completely cool, 3 hours or more. This is a good cookie to make in the evening; they can be left in the oven (with the heat turned off) overnight. Yield: approximately three dozen meringues.

Shortcut method: Dissolve 3/4 cup (5 1/4 ounces) granulated sugar in 1/2 cup (4 ounces) boiling water; cool. Add 1/4 cup (1 1/4 ounces) meringue powder, and beat till peaks form. Shape and bake as directed above.