Torte Ingredients
4 egg whites
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Filling Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries or 2 packages frozen, thawed and drained
1 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. To make torte: Grease and flour a large baking sheet. Make three circles in the flour coating using a 6-inch plate as a guide.
2. Put the egg whites into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and cream of tartar. Beat the egg whites until they hold soft peaks. Add the sugar gradually, beating constantly until the mixture holds firm shiny peaks. Fold in the vanilla. Spoon into the circles on the baking sheet.
3. Bake at 250 degrees F for 60 minutes or until the meringues are firm to the touch. Loosen the meringues carefully with a spatula then slide onto a rack to cool.
4. To make filling: Wash and hull the strawberries. Save a few whole strawberries for garnish. Crush the remaining berries and sweeten with sugar to taste. Whip the cream. Drain the berries and fold into the whipped cream.
5. Spoon 1/3rd of the filling into each of the meringues. Decorate the tops of each with the reserved berries. Serves 6 to 8.