A traditional French dessert is made with whipped egg whites and a few other ingredients.The airy texture of meringues pairs well with a richer filling, but they are also delicious eaten alone as a light snack or dessert.There is an article that gives instructions on how to make simple meringues.It makes 6 meringues.
Step 1: The oven and baking sheet should be prepared.
The oven should be at 300oF (150oC).Line the baking sheet with the paper.The meringues won't stick.
Step 2: The egg whites and salt should be Whipped.
The egg whites should be put into the mixing bowl.When the egg whites become frothy, use a hand mixer or a whisk.The bowl should be dry and clean.A drop of water or another substance in the mixing bowl can prevent the egg whites from achieving the right texture.Don't beat the egg whites too long.Beat with the salt until it becomes frothy, then move on to the next step.
Step 3: Gradually add the sugar.
Add the sugar as you beat the egg whites.The whites should form soft peaks.Keep beating them.
Step 4: Add the rest of the ingredients.
It's a good idea to include the cream of tartar and vanilla.Continue whipping the mixture until the egg whites are glossy.If you can tip the bowl upside down, you have reached the right consistency.If you want, you can gently fold in some chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, fruit bits, or another mix-in.
Step 5: At a time, place the mixture on the baking sheet.
Place the individual meringues an inch apart.Continue until you've used the entire bowl.The icing bag should be fitted with a star-shaped tip.The baking sheet has individual meringues piped onto it.If you want, you can sprinkle the meringues with sugar, cocoa powder, or another topping.
Step 6: For 45 minutes, bake the meringues.
To make sure the meringues cook evenly, the tray should be placed in the center of the oven.
Step 7: The meringues should be left to cool after the oven is turned off.
It's best to let them cool in the oven.Wait until they are completely cool before removing them from the oven.When they are cool, remove them from the oven.
Step 8: Store the meringues or serve them.
As soon as they have cooled off, they are ready to eat.You can either serve them immediately or store them in a container for up to 4 days.
Step 9: You can make sandwich cookies with a filling.
Spread your favorite filling on the flat side of a meringue and press a second on top to make a delicious sandwich cookie.The chocolate ganache is a popular choice to serve with the meringues.It's an excellent contrast to the chocolate flavor.Whipped cream.A sweetened whipped cream filling will keep the dessert light.Fresh fruit or fruit jam.You can make delicious filling with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
Step 10: You can make flavors of meringues.
Food coloring and extract can be used to flavor the mixture for a unique dessert.Adding some character by mixing in fruit and chocolate is another way to do it.Add a few drops of orange food coloring, and mix in some candied orange bits.Take some cocoa powder and mix it with the batter to make mini chocolate chips.Top the meringues with roasted pistachios.
Step 11: Make candy cane puddings.
This festive variation has a flavor of peppermint extract.You can make candy cane stripes by painting the meringues with strips of food coloring.
Step 12: If you want to make mocha-flavored meringues, add up to a half a cup of instant coffee to the egg whites.
Step 13: If you rub a paper towel around the inside of the mixing bowl, it will stop the mixture from collapsing on itself.
Step 14: A small depression can be made in each meringue with the back of a clean spoon.
After baking and cooling, put a small amount of sour cream in the depression and then top with a fresh strawberry.Even without adding the berry, these are delicious because of the sour cream and the sweet taste in the meringue.