Tuesday, May 26, 2015

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! 



18 comments:

  1. Those look wonderful! We have always lived in areas with a damper climate and so meringues are not too successful. Yours are gorgeous! A perfect trea for teatime!
    Thanks for linking to Tuesdau Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Ruth! I didn't even think about how the climate affects them but of course! We're expecting 3 days of rain so I'm glad I made them the other day :)
      Thanks for hosting your lovely parties - they are such fun to visit!

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  2. Christina, your meringues are gorgeous in pink and a perfect treat for tea time. I have never made them but you have inspired me to try them. Thanks for the recipe and joining me for tea.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Thanks Sandi! they are surprisingly easy -If I can make them anyone can lol-
      thanks also for hosting your delightful parties! I look forward to visiting them each week- even if I don't have a tea post to share :)

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  3. Hi Christina: These look so good. I love your violets tea set. Perfect. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Martha

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    1. Thanks Martha!
      Good eye!- yes they are little violets- they came in a set of four cups and little dishes - I got them for my wedding but they have no markings on the bottom so I don't know who or where they made. :)

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  4. OMG...How delightful is this post... I never even thought of popping them into a jar as a sweet gift( ha Ha) too cute... and love the way you displayed them on the cake plate for teatime...You violet teacup and teatime plate are darling.... Thanks for the inspiration...Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! These are so easy to make- I've never given them in jars before either but it's recommended you keep them in an airtight container (they wilt in humidity) so I figured it would work and I have so many leftover jars lol
      Cheers! :)

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  5. Wonderful as usual. The ice cream scoop tip is very smart. My daughter's birthday is coming up. These would make lovely favors.
    I have used your sea glass candy several times and it has always been a hit. I know this will also.
    PS- love the tea cup too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Susan!- Happy Birthday to your daughter :) These would make lovely favors- You can pipe this recipe which takes a little more time but would look a little fancier -but they will taste the same lol- I have pics on
      http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/to-sweet-new-year-citrus-champagne.html -
      So delighted you enjoyed the sea glass candy too!

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  6. Christina, these are so lovely to look at and I bet they taste delicious also. I really want to try making some! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Jann,
      They are so easy to make and are nice summer treat :)

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  7. These look so good. Beautiful pictures. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

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  8. Oh, how heavenly and delicious--so perfect for tea!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! They're a nice light and airy alternative to cookies- not that I don't love a good cookie :)

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