Basic Meringues With Variations or a Large Pavlova

May 30, 2023May 30, 20230 0

Basic Meringues With Variations or a Large Pavlova Recipe

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

15 min

Cook

1 hour or 1 and a half hours

Ready In

1 and a half hours to 2 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	4 egg whites , use eggs at room temperature
	1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
	1 cup caster sugar ( superfine sugar )
	2 teaspoons cornflour ( cornstarch )
	1 teaspoon white vinegar

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

8-10

Calories

80-100

Sugar

10-15g

Fat

Meringues have been enjoyed in Europe since the 1700s. They are light, airy, and almost melt in the mouth. They are ideal for people who crave something sweet but do not want something heavy or laden with calories. The recipe is simple and low-maintenance with easy-to-find ingredients. While the basic recipe can be a little finicky, you can use variations to make things easier, such as using a piping bag with a star tip to form intricate shapes. The delicate texture and versatility of meringues make them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
2.	Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3.	Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a bowl until soft peaks form.
4.	Gradually add caster sugar, beating constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is glossy.
5.	Add cornflour and vinegar. Beat until just combined.
6.	Pipe or spoon mixture onto prepared tray. For a large pavlova, form a disc with a slight indentation in the center. For smaller meringues, form dollops.
7.	Bake for 1 hour (for meringues), or 1 and a half hours (for pavlova) or until crisp outside and still a bit soft inside. Turn off oven, prop open the door and leave meringues in the oven to cool down completely (this helps avoid cracking).
8.	Serve meringues plain or with whipped cream and berries, fruit curd, chocolate or any other topping you prefer.

PROS

Basic meringues are a low-calorie, low-fat dessert option suitable for nearly any diet.
The variations are endless, from simple berries or cream toppings to more elaborate chocolate or curd-based treats.

CONS

Meringues are high in sugar, and this recipe requires a lot of sugar.
People with blood sugar regulation issues should consume meringues in moderation.
Also, meringues are very fragile and can easily crumble or crack, which makes them less suitable for travel or as treats to be enjoyed on-the-go.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While meringues are not exactly a health food, they are much lower in calories and fat than most other sweets. They make a better choice for people trying to lose or maintain weight than baked goods that contain butter or oil. The egg whites used in meringues are also an excellent source of protein, which helps promote muscle growth and repair.