Brittle Bones

1 1/2 cups sugar

Pinch of salt

5 egg whites at room temperature

Pinch of cream of tartar

1 tsp almond, vanilla, orange or lemon extract

Preheat oven to 220* F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or tin foil. Prepare pastry bag with round #10 tip (about 3/8 inch diameter) or use a large ziplock bag with the corner cut off.

Combine sugar and salt in a small bowl. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in another small bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar mixture, beating constantly. Beat until stiff peaks form and meringue is shiny and smooth. Add extract; beat just until blended.

Fill pastry bag with meringue. Pipe a log 3 to 4 inches long. Pipe 2 balls on both ends of each log. Smooth any peaks with a wet finger. Repeat with remaining meringue.

Bake 30 minutes; turn off heat. Leave cookies in oven overnight; do not open the oven door.

Tip: to give the "bones" an ivory or aged look, add 1 to 2 drops of yellow food coloring with the extract.

Yield: about 24 cookies

Submitted by Jenn S.

Theme: Halloween