Advent Activities: Snow, Part II

After some crochet and Minecraft, we:

• made Meringue Snowflakes inspired by a FB post by a friend; 
• watched a Doctor Who episode while eating popcorn;
• went outside to look at the pastel colors of the setting sun;
• read quietly for awhile;
• had baked chicken, rice, and gravy for dinner;
• bathed;
• "Critter Party" in Sis's room;
• late snack with Mama;
• and then new Doctor Who "Lego" sets!

Day is almost done.

(Pictures are in an actual camera, which is harder to upload, so may take some time . . . .)

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Meringue Snowflakes

4 teaspoons meringue powder

4 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon flavored extract (they chose vanilla)

2 tablespoons colored sugar

Preheat oven to 200F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

On high speed, beat meringue powder, water, and cream of tartar until frothy (3 minutes) and then until glossy (3 more minutes, approximately.)  Add powdered sugar a tablespoon or so at a time, incorporating each, until mixture is stiff (about 5 minutes).  Add extract and beat until incorporated.

Take large zipper bag (or pastry bag), nip the corner, and fill with meringue.  Pipe designs onto paper-lined baking sheet (we put an outline of a snowflake underneath.)  Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Bake until dry, about an hour; do not brown.

Carefully move paper to wire rack and allow to cool completely.  Store in airtight container.

adapted from Spoonful (they use 2 egg whites instead)