Pink marble meringues are not only visually stunning but also delicious and relatively simple to make. They make a delightful sweet treat or a beautiful dessert garnish. Here’s a recipe for pink marble meringues:
Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare a Piping Bag:
- Fit a piping bag with a large round tip (e.g., Ateco #805) and set it aside.
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a clean, dry, and grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until they become foamy.
- Add Cream of Tartar:
- Add the cream of tartar to the foamy egg whites. Continue to beat while gradually adding the granulated sugar, a spoonful at a time.
- Beat to Stiff Peaks:
- Increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until the egg whites form stiff, glossy peaks. This may take several minutes.
- Add Vanilla Extract:
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract to flavor the meringue.
- Create Pink Marble Effect:
- Drop small amounts of pink food coloring randomly around the inside of the prepared piping bag. You can use a toothpick or a clean paintbrush to apply the food coloring. Be careful not to overdo it; a little goes a long way.
- Pipe the Meringues:
- Spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared piping bag. Pipe small mounds of meringue onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meringues for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are dry to the touch and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper without sticking.
- Cool:
- Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the meringues are completely cool, carefully peel them off the parchment paper. They should have a beautiful pink marble effect. Serve and enjoy!
Store any leftover pink marble meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These meringues are perfect for serving as a sweet treat, topping for desserts, or as a decorative element for cakes and cupcakes.