Meringues Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (including cooling time)
Yield: Approximately 24 meringues
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Egg Whites:
- Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully, ensuring no yolks are mixed with the whites.
- Whip Egg Whites:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
- Add Cream of Tartar:
- Add the cream of tartar to the foamy egg whites. Continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually Add Sugar:
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add Vanilla and Salt:
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Pipe or Spoon Meringues:
- Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, or simply spoon small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meringues are dry and crisp. The baking time may vary based on your oven and the size of the meringues.
- Cool:
- Allow the meringues to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, store the meringues in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Enjoy!
- Serve these classic meringues on their own or use them as a topping for desserts like pavlova, fruit salads, or ice cream.
Note:
Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a fun and elegant presentation. Meringues are sensitive to humidity, so it’s best to make them on a dry day. Store any leftover meringues in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
