Eyes

Summer dessert with apricots and meringue: Eggs sunny-side up with a sweet-sour twist

Summer brings with it the most delicious seasonal fruits, and apricots, with their sweet-sour flavor, are perfect for creating a refreshing and savory dessert. This recipe for "sunny-side up eggs" with caramelized apricots is not only a surprise for your taste buds but also an ingenious way to use these wonderful fruits. The preparation is simple, and the result is a light and elegant dessert, ideal for an afternoon snack or a relaxing weekend.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 4 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons of white sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6-8 apricots (depending on their size)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Brief history

The "sunny-side up eggs" recipe is a playful reinterpretation of traditional desserts, inspired by the iconic shape of sunny-side up eggs. This meringue variant has become popular in many corners of the world, often served as a light dessert, perfect for warm summer days. Adding apricots not only enriches the flavor but also brings a note of freshness, transforming a simple dessert into a true delicacy.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the meringue: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is clean and dry to achieve perfect meringue. Add the egg whites to the bowl and start beating them with a mixer at medium speed. After about 1-2 minutes, when bubbles start to form, gradually add the lemon juice. This step is essential as lemon helps stabilize the meringue.

2. Adding the sugar: Continue beating the egg whites, gradually adding the sugar. I emphasize the importance of this step: sugar must be added gradually to allow the egg whites to absorb the sugar and form a shiny, firm meringue. Keep mixing until the meringue becomes firm and glossy, and when you turn the bowl upside down, the meringue doesn’t move.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour over the meringue, gently folding it in with a spatula using circular motions from top to bottom. Then, pour in the oil and mix again, being careful not to destroy the air trapped in the meringue.

4. Preparing the apricots: Wash the apricots well and cut them in half, removing the pits. You can choose to leave them as is or cut them into smaller slices, depending on your preferences.

5. Filling the muffin tins: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare the muffin tins, greased with a little oil or lined with special papers. Pour the meringue mixture into each tin, filling them about 2/3 full. Then, place half an apricot (or a few slices) on top of each "egg".

6. Baking: Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the "eggs" are golden and firm to the touch. Do not open the oven door in the first 15 minutes to avoid collapsing the meringue.

7. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the tins from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. After they have cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look. These delights can be served warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

This dessert is perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but you can also pair it with vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a delicious contrast. Imagine a summer outdoor table, with your treats served alongside friends and family.

Practical tips

- Alternative with other fruits: If you don’t have apricots on hand, you can substitute with peaches, plums, or even cherries. Each fruit will add a distinct flavor while maintaining the same light texture of the dessert.
- Storage: This dessert is best consumed fresh, but it can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving has approximately 150 calories, making it a healthier option compared to other heavier desserts. Apricots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen egg whites? Yes, you can use frozen egg whites, but make sure to completely thaw them and let them reach room temperature before beating.
2. Why is it important not to open the oven during baking? Opening the oven door can cause a sudden drop in temperature, which can lead to the meringue collapsing.
3. How can I make the meringue more flavorful? You can add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the egg white mixture for extra flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Your sunny-side up egg with apricots is waiting for you to prepare and enjoy the taste of summer. Enjoy your meal!