Baked Meringues with Summer Berries

 

 

 

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This is one of my favourite desserts to make when fruit stalls and farmers markets are bursting with summer berries during this time of the year.

A simple feathery meringue nest filled with vanilla scented cream and topped with a mixture of berries.

They are the perfect desserts for a hot summery day, sweet and light but decadent!

Meringues are very simple to make and all you need are egg whites, sugar and a good whisk.

 

 

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Meringue nests

  • Egg whites – 3
  • Sugar – 150 g
  • Salt – one pinch

 

Whipped cream

  • Double cream – 150 ml
  • Powdered sugar – 40 g
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

 

Fresh berries – a mixture of Raspberries, blue berries and strawberries

 

  • To make the meringues place the egg whites in a clean metal bowl with a pinch of salt and whisk until they form stiff peaks.
  • Add one tablespoon of sugar each to the egg whites and continue whisking until all the sugar is incorporated and the meringue is shiny.
  • Spoon it into a piping bag and pipe the meringue into tray lined with baking paper into a circle shape. Pipe around the edge to make a rim.
  • Bake in a pre heated low oven 120°C for about 1- 1 ½ hours, or until the meringue can be easily lifted without sticking to the baking paper.
  • For the filling- Whisk the cream with a the powdered sugar in a bowl until it just starts to thicken, then fold in the vanilla extract until you get a uniform mixture.
  • Spoon the cream into meringue nests and top with berries.