– 2 cups sifted superfine sugar – 1 1/3 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising) – 1 1/2 cups egg whites, at room temperature (10 to 12 eggs) – 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt – 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar – 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)

. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the cake flour and sift them together four times. Set this mixture aside. . Beat Egg Whites: In a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar on high speed until medium-firm peaks form. . Add Sugar and Flavor: Lower the mixer speed to medium and gradually add the remaining sugar. Continue to whisk until the mixture is thick and shiny. Add vanilla and lemon zest and whisk for another minute.