CHERRY MERINGUE DESSERT

3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup sugar
FOR THE FILLING:
1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until very stiff peaks form.

Cover a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spoon meringue onto foil. Using the back of a spoon, form meringue into a 9 inch heart shape, building up the edges slightly.

Bake at 275 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours. Turn oven off and do not open door. Let cool in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven; cool completely.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until mixture is well blended.

TO SERVE:
Place heart on a serving platter; fill with cream cheese mixture and top with pie filling.

Servings: 6
Source: Taste of Home magazine