This is my other half's favourite Christmas dessert. I don't make it that often as I find it very heavy and sweet, but it is nice to have occasionally and is easy to make. For those of you who don't fancy making the meringues, you can buy meringue nests from the shop and use them instead. 

For the meringues
2 egg whites
110g sugar
1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
pinch of salt

Whisk the egg whites and salt until they are firm and hold their peaks
While still whisking, add the sugar in gradually until you have added half of it
Next add the vanilla seeds from the pod or paste
Continue to whisk, gradually adding the rest of the sugar until you have stiff peaks again
I like to pipe the meringue into small shapes onto a baking tray, but you can dollop the mixture on using a spoon if you so wish.
Bake in a fan oven at 110c (120c normal oven) for 1 hour 
Allow to cool