Meringues Chantilly
- 6 extra - large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of Saltt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided (You will want to fold in the last 1/2 c. at the very end)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Homemade Whipped Cream- feel free to make it as sweet as you like. I found that adding a very small amount of sugar worked for me as it offset the sweetness of the meringue. But its all up to you!
- Stewed berries, (cook fresh or frozen berries of your choice on the stove with sugar. Add water if it seems too thick)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small glass and a pencil, draw 6 (3 1/2-inch) circles on each piece of paper. Turn the paper face-down on the baking sheets.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a large pinch of salt on medium speed until frothy. Add 1 cup of the sugar and raise the speed to high until the egg whites form very stiff peaks. Whisk in the vanilla. Carefully fold the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar into the meringue. With a large star - shaped pastry tip, pipe a disc of meringue inside each circle. Pipe another layer around the edge to form the sides of the shells.
Bake for 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp but not browned. Turn off the heat and allow the meringues to sit in the oven for 4 hours or overnight.
Spread some of the sauce from the stewed berries on each plate. Place a meringue on top and fill with whipped cream. Top with berries and serve.
Eaton Mess
The only difference with this one is that you crumble up the meringues and layer them with whipped cream and berries for an elegant look! This is a very traditional English summer dessert, and typically made with strawberries. But like I said, feel free to experiment with your favorite berries! I used a mixture of raspberries and strawberries for both of these desserts.
- So fun for Valentines Day, right!? And believe me, they are so yummy! My mom declared both desserts her "new favorite dessert." Thats gotta mean somethin', right!?