Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla, then gradually add the sugar and beat on high speed until the egg whites form very stiff peaks.

With a large star-shaped pastry tip, pipe meringue stars onto the parchment.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the meringues are dry and crisp but not browned. Turn off the heat and allow the meringues to sit while the oven cools another 45 minutes if possible. Remove meringues and allow to cool completely.

To assemble parfaits, put a dollap of whipped cream into a brandy glass or other serving container. Top with blueberries, sliced strawberries and 2-3 meringue stars. Add another dollap of whipped cream, then more berries and stars.

Serve immediately.