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Homemade Meringues - A Delightful Treat Easy to Make

If you're looking for a simple yet spectacular recipe, homemade meringues are the perfect choice! These light and fluffy cookies are not only delicious but can also serve as a base for more elaborate desserts or as a quick snack for kids. Plus, they have a long shelf life when stored properly. Let's discover together how to make these meringues and what tricks can make a difference!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-27 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 meringues

The History of Meringues

Meringues, also known as "holiday cookies," emerged as a practical solution for creating a light and versatile dessert. These cookies were often used for special occasions, but quickly became a popular choice for daily snacks due to their ease of preparation and light texture. Meringues can be paired with a variety of creams and desserts, turning them into honored guests at festive tables.

Ingredients

- 4 large eggs
- 120 g granulated sugar
- 120 g flour
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar Dr. Oetker
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- A pinch of baking powder
- Vanilla powdered sugar for decoration

Step by Step for Perfect Meringues

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk is left in the egg whites, as this could affect the final consistency of the meringues.

2. The Yolk Cream
In a large bowl, add the yolks, 80 g of sugar (2/3 of the amount), the packet of vanilla sugar, and the rum and vanilla essences. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it becomes a fluffy cream with a bright white color (about 5-7 minutes). You can also add a pinch of salt here to balance the sweetness.

3. Beating the Egg Whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Then, gradually add the remaining 40 g of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. It is essential that the egg whites are beaten correctly; otherwise, the meringues will not have the desired consistency.

4. Mixing the Compositions
Sift the flour along with the baking powder over the yolk mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently incorporate the flour, mixing from the outside in. Then, add the meringue in three stages, carefully folding it in to avoid losing air in the mixture.

5. Forming the Meringues
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the mixture in a piping bag with a large tip (or you can use a spoon) and form the meringues to the desired length, leaving a little space between them as they will expand while baking. Sprinkle vanilla powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance and sweet taste.

6. Baking the Meringues
Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan mode) or 180°C (regular mode). Bake the meringues for 12 minutes at 160°C or 10 minutes at 180°C. Keep a close eye on them! The meringues are ready when the edges turn slightly brown, but the center will appear less baked. Don’t worry; this is the desired texture for fluffy meringues!

7. Cooling and Serving
After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the tray for a few minutes, then carefully remove them from the paper using a spatula. Sprinkle again with vanilla powdered sugar before serving. These meringues are delicious and can be enjoyed plain or combined with creams and fruits.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade meringues can be served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or fragrant tea. You can also use these cookies as a base for a delicious tiramisu or as a layer in a parfait with yogurt and fresh fruits.

Variations and Tricks

1. Cocoa Variation: You can add 20 g of cocoa to the flour mixture to make chocolate meringues.
2. Flavored Sugar: Experiment with different types of flavored sugar, such as orange or lemon, for a unique taste.
3. Storage: Place the meringues in an airtight container in a cool place to keep them fresh longer.

Nutritional Benefits

Homemade meringues are a healthier option compared to many types of commercial cookies, as they do not contain preservatives or additives. The flour and eggs provide protein and carbohydrates, while sugar is the main source of energy. Each meringue has about 50 calories, but this depends greatly on their size, so we recommend consuming them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did my meringues turn out too hard?
Make sure you followed the baking time and did not overbeat the egg whites. They should be slightly fluffy, not too hard.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the quantity, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. You may need to add a little more water or egg.

3. What do I do if I don't have a piping bag?
You can use a spoon to form the meringues, but the result will be less uniform.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making homemade meringues! They are not only delicious but also an excellent way to bring a touch of joy to every day. Enjoy your meal!