Strawberries with Walnut Puffs

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 10 saltine crackers (2 in. square)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 6 cups strawberries, rinsed,hulled,and sliced
• 1 cup whipping cream, softly whipped
• 1/4 cup sugar, extra (to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   Beat whites and cream of tartar with a mixer on high speed until whites are foamy in a large bowl.

2. 2

   (make sure bowl is scrupulously clean, no grease) Mix 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder.

3. 3

   Beating on high speed, gradually add sugar mixture to whites.

4. 4

   Continue beating until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks.

5. 5

   Crush crackers into pieces about 1/4 inch across.

6. 6

   Fold crackers and walnuts gently into whites.

7. 7

   Line 2 baking sheets, 12 by 15 inches each, with cooking parchment (or lightly oil nonstick baking sheets).

8. 8

   Spoon meringue mixture in 8 equal mounds about 3 1/2 inches wide and well separated.

9. 9

   Bake in a 300° oven until puffs are lightly browned, about 30 minutes.

10. 10

    Let cool on pan about 10 minutes.

11. 11

    With a spatula, transfer to racks to cool.

12. 12

    If making ahead, package walnut puffs airtight and hold at room temperature up to 1 day.

13. 13

    Mix strawberries and cream with sugar to taste and spoon onto the walnut puffs before serving.