Author Notes
My family loves this light and airy dessert. This dessert makes for a wonderful centerpiece to any table. After a couple of handfuls of hors d'oeuvres, or a 3-course meal, a light dessert just might be in order. I change it up and top my meringues with different fresh fruits too. This dessert literally will melt in your mouth. Your guests will be pleased. Mine always are! —rrbtexasmomof2
Ingredients
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4
egg whites, at room temperature
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1 cup
sugar, superfine
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1 teaspoon
cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon
cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon
pure vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups
heavy cream
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1/4 cup
confectioner's sugar
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2 cups
fresh strawberries, halved
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1 cup
fresh blueberries
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raw sugar (Turbinado sugar) for sprinkling
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whip the egg whites in a bowl to stiff peaks. Then add sugar and continue to whip to make a stiff, glossy meringue. Sift the cornstarch over the meringue and fold it in with the vinegar and vanilla. Whip for an additional minute.
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Spoon the meringue mixture on to the parchment lined baking sheet. Spread into a round, swirling all around the top with the tip and back side of the spoon.. Bake for 1 1/4 hours, or until the meringue is hardened (crisp) and lightly golden. Switch off the oven, keeping the oven door closed, and leave the meringue in the oven to cool for 1 hour.
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Carefully pull the meringue from the parchment paper and transfer it to a serving platter. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks, fold in the confectioner's sugar and whip for 1 additional minute. Spoon the whipped cream into the center of the cooled meringue. Top with the strawberries and blueberries. Sprinkle raw sugar over the top.
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Note: Instead of preparing your own cream, a 12 oz. carton of frozen prepared whip cream (thawed) can be substituted.
Also, any fresh fruit can be substituted for the strawberries and blueberries. I have also used raspberries, blackberries and kiwi fruit on my meringues.
Additionally, the sprinkling of raw sugar can be substituted for a dusting of sifted confectioner's sugar.
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