Savor the delight of Rainbow Swirl Meringues, a visually stunning treat that combines the ethereal lightness of meringue with vibrant, colorful swirls. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or as a cheerful snack, these meringues are not only beautiful but deliciously sweet and airy.
Ingredients for 24 Meringues:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup fresh egg whites, room temperature
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring, colors of your choice
- 1 cup icing
- ¼ cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Spread the granulated sugar on one of the baking sheets and bake for 7 minutes to slightly caramelize the edges.
Make the Meringue:
- Whip the egg whites in a large, clean, dry bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until foamy. Add the salt.
- Increase to high speed and continue whipping until medium peaks form.
- Gradually add the toasted sugar to the egg whites, one tablespoon at a time, increasing the mixer speed as you add more sugar. Once all the sugar is incorporated, continue to whip for 5-7 minutes until the meringue is thick and shiny. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Color the Meringue:
- Prop open a piping bag in a tall glass. Using a wooden skewer, lightly paint 2 thin stripes of gel food coloring inside the bag on opposite sides.
- Fill the bag with the meringue mixture.
Pipe the Meringues:
- Pipe 1-inch wide meringue “kisses” onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about ½ inch apart.
Bake:
- Bake the meringues for about 1 hour, or until you can easily lift a meringue off the paper without it sticking.
Fill and Serve:
- Once cooled, pipe icing around the edge of one meringue and add a dollop of jam in the center. Sandwich with another meringue.
Tips
- Ensure all utensils are completely dry and free of any fat or oil residue for best results.
- If the meringues are sticky or chewy, extend the baking time by 10-20 minutes to dry them out further.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these meringues ahead of time? A: Yes, meringues can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: How can I prevent my meringues from cracking? A: Avoid opening the oven door during baking, and let the meringues cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 meringues
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
Rainbow Swirl Meringues offer a burst of color and sweetness that’s ideal for any festive occasion. These light, airy confections are not only a joy to make but also a pleasure to serve, providing a perfect blend of flavor and flair to delight guests of all ages. Enjoy creating and sharing these enchanting treats at your next gathering!