Berry Easy Meringues

As much as I enjoy indulging in sweet treats, I sadly have limited talent for creating them. Many an attempt at cookies, candy and macarons have resulted in disappointment and a sugary mess. However, over the years I have always been able to count on the surprisingly simple meringue! Featured in multiple incarnations on this blog- (New year's Pink Champagne, an Irish berry pavlova), it's an elegant, inexpensive, and adaptable treat.

   

In honor of upcoming berry season, I thought I'd whip up a quick raspberry flavored version as a light dessert, but you can easily change the flavor extract to suit your taste. Though they do tie up the oven for a little while, the actual prep time takes only minutes and I find I usually have all the ingredients on hand.

You'll Need

2 egg whites

1/2 cup superfine sugar 
(can be reduced if you find the meringues too sweet)
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon rasberry (or other) extract

drop of pink food color  if desired

Preheat oven to 225 degrees

Beat egg whites on high until foamy,

Sprinkle with salt and cream of tartar

Beat until soft peaks form

slowly add sugar, extract and coloring and beat until stiff peaks form

I used an ice cream scoop to spoon even "blobs" onto a cookie tray lined with parchment

(for more formal versions the batter can be piped in neat circles or swirls as our champagne meringues)

   

Bake 90 minutes making sure outside "shell" is hard when tapped

Then turn off oven and let sit with door ajar for 30 minutes. 
Remove and cool completely

I perched mine on a pedestal and garnished with mint, strawberries and blackberries
ironically my raspberries had disappeared
 (I blame the refrigerator elves)

or add a label and pop carefully into mason jars for portable picnic fare or little gift

Label using images from the Graphics Fairy

A snipped leftover pink paper Valentines doily
 on the lid and sprig of faux floral adds flair

Their light airy texture make meringues the perfect accompaniment 
to afternoon tea. A lemon herbal tea complements the berry flavor.
    "Some of the sweetest berries
grow among the sharpest thorns"
     Gaelic Proverb

Wishing everyone a Sweet Summer Season!