Meringues

Delicate meringues that melt in your mouth

Who doesn't love a light and airy dessert? Meringues are undoubtedly a perfect choice to conclude a meal or to add a touch of sweetness to our days. These little wonders of gastronomy are made from the simple combination of egg whites and sugar, but their secret lies in the preparation technique. From my first experience making them, I realized they are easier to prepare than I had imagined. Let's venture together into the world of meringues!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 meringues

Necessary ingredients

- 4 egg whites (approximately 120 ml)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar (220 g)
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch

Useful tips about ingredients

1. Egg whites: Make sure they are at room temperature for a more stable foam. If you have leftover egg whites from another recipe, such as ice cream, now is the perfect time to use them!
2. Powdered sugar: It is preferable to use powdered sugar, as it dissolves more easily in the egg white foam. If you have granulated sugar, you can grind it in a blender until it becomes powder.
3. Cornstarch: This helps stabilize the meringue and achieve a finer texture. You can use cornstarch or potato starch.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the bowl: Fill a pot with water that has a smaller diameter than the bowl in which you will mix the egg whites. This will create a bain-marie, helping to create an airy and stable meringue.

2. Mixing the egg whites: Start by introducing the mixer into the egg whites, setting the speed to low. Mix for one minute to form a foam. Then, increase the speed and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes. The egg whites should become frothy and double in volume.

3. Adding the sugar: Introduce 1/3 of the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved. It is essential that the sugar is not granulated; otherwise, the meringues will have an unpleasant texture.

4. Bain-marie: Now it is time to place the bowl with egg whites over the pot of water. Add the remaining sugar in two batches, mixing constantly. Continue mixing until the meringues become glossy and form stiff peaks. When you turn the bowl upside down, the meringues should not flow out.

5. Incorporating the cornstarch: Add the cornstarch and fold it in with a spatula. This will give the meringues a perfect texture.

6. Preparing the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper with butter to prevent sticking.

7. Forming the meringues: Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Place the whipped egg whites into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off and pipe the meringues onto the parchment paper. Leave them a little spaced apart, as they will increase in size.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let the meringues bake for 30 minutes with the oven door closed. Then, slightly open the oven door and let them bake for another 50 minutes. This step will help the meringues dry out and become crispy.

Serving suggestions

Meringues are delicious on their own, but you can also combine them with various toppings! Try serving them with:

- A filling of whipped cream and fresh fruit
- A chocolate sauce
- A creamy ice cream to create a decadent dessert

Possible variations

Want to add a splash of flavor? Here are some suggestions:

- Cocoa meringues: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the egg whites for chocolate meringues.
- Flavored meringues: Incorporate vanilla, almond, or lemon extract into the egg whites for a more intense flavor.
- Colored meringues: Add food coloring to make the meringues more appealing to kids.

Nutritional benefits

Meringues are low in fat and are a pure source of carbohydrates, making them a lighter option for a dessert. Despite the sugar content, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to be mindful of portions, as meringues can be tempting!

Frequently asked questions

1. Why didn’t my meringues rise? – Ensure that the bowl and utensils are completely clean and that you haven’t added any fat to the egg whites.
2. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar? – Yes, but you will need to grind it beforehand to achieve a fine texture.
3. How do I keep meringues fresh? – Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture.

Now that you know all the secrets to making perfect meringues, don’t hesitate to try them at home. It’s a simple and quick recipe that will bring joy not only to your table but also to the hearts of your loved ones. Let’s enjoy every bite of sweetness!