Meringues

Fluffy and crunchy meringues – an elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion! Whether you're preparing for a party, a romantic date, or just want to treat yourself, these meringues are an excellent choice. With an airy texture and a sweet taste, they can be served alone or used as a base ingredient in other desserts, such as pavlova or ice cream. Let's embark on this simple yet visually and tastefully impactful recipe together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 12 large meringues (depends on desired size)

Ingredients

- 3 egg whites (make sure they are fresh, as their quality affects the texture of the meringues)
- 175 g sugar (preferably fine sugar, but you can also use granulated sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (helps stabilize the egg whites and adds a touch of freshness)
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (this will give the meringues a delicious crunch)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as fat can prevent proper whipping. It is recommended to use a baking tray and parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 90°C.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, add the 3 egg whites. Using an electric mixer, start beating them at medium speed. When the egg whites become frothy, increase the speed and continue beating until you achieve a stiff foam. This is the moment when the meringue begins to gain volume, and when you turn the bowl upside down, the foam should not move.

3. Adding the sugar: Once the egg whites have reached a firm consistency, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the sugar is completely dissolved and the meringue becomes glossy. It is essential to ensure that the sugar is well incorporated; otherwise, the meringue will have a grainy texture.

4. Incorporating the cornstarch and lemon juice: Finally, add the cornstarch and lemon juice. Gently fold in with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the mixture. The meringue should be glossy and stiff, perfect for shaping.

5. Forming the meringues: Transfer the mixture into a piping bag. You can use a round or star-shaped nozzle, depending on your preference. On the parchment paper, pipe the meringues to the desired size, leaving enough space between them, as they will expand slightly during baking.

6. Baking: Place the tray on the middle rack of the oven. It is recommended to place another tray underneath to protect the meringues from direct heat. Bake the meringues for about 60 minutes. To keep the meringues crunchy, leave the oven door slightly ajar using a wooden spoon. This step will allow moisture to escape, ensuring that the meringues remain dry and crunchy.

7. Cooling: After the 60 minutes have passed, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven, with the door slightly open. This will prevent condensation from forming on their surface.

Serving and Suggestions

The meringues can be enjoyed plain, but you can pair them with freshly whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a refined dessert. You can also use these meringues as a base for a pavlova cake or add them to ice cream for a texture contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if the meringues are done?
The meringues should be dry and crunchy on the outside, and if you gently tap them, they should sound hollow.

2. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Brown sugar can add an interesting flavor, but it is recommended to use white sugar for lighter and airier meringues.

3. What can I do if the meringues are sticky?
This can be due to insufficient baking time or high humidity. Make sure the meringues are completely dry at the end.

Nutritional Benefits

Meringues are a relatively low-calorie dessert, having about 30-35 calories per meringue, depending on size. They contain protein from the egg whites but are high in sugar, so it's best to consume them in moderation. They can be a better choice compared to other fat-rich desserts.

Possible Variations

- Vanilla-flavored meringues: Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the mixture for an extra touch of flavor.
- Cocoa meringues: For a chocolate version, replace part of the sugar with cocoa powder. The meringues will become chocolatey and delicious!
- Colored meringues: Add food coloring to create an appealing visual effect. This is a wonderful activity to do with kids!

Whether you choose to serve them plain or integrate them into other desserts, these fluffy meringues will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy the cooking process and don't forget to let your creativity flow!