Meringue Desserts with Fruits and Honey

This delightful recipe for meringue desserts with fruits and honey combines the airy texture of meringue with the fresh taste of seasonal fruits. The sweetness of honey and the optional kick of rum add depth to the flavors, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion. The meringue is baked until crisp and then layered with fresh kiwis, strawberries, and raspberries. Not only is this dessert beautiful to look at, but it's also refreshing and light on the palate. Perfect for a family gathering or a friendly get-together, these meringue desserts offer a balance of sweet and tart experiences. Plus, they're easy to make, so you can focus on entertaining rather than spending all your time in the kitchen. If you want to avoid alcohol, simply skip the rum for a child-friendly version. Serve these in elegant plates with a drizzle of chocolate for a sophisticated touch. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed in any season, adaptable with a variety of fruit combinations. Finally, this dessert is a perfect showcase for those who love both baking and creative presentation. Enjoy the symphony of textures and flavors with every bite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 120 - 150 g powdered sugar
• 2 kiwis
• 150 g strawberries
• 150 g raspberries

Additional Ingredients

• 4 tbsp rum (optional, omit for a child-friendly version)
• 2 tbsp honey

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 140 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and trace 6 circles approximately 10 cm in diameter.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 100°C.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to whip until well incorporated.
4. Shape the Meringues: Spoon or pipe the whipped egg whites onto the drawn circles on your prepared baking sheet. Create a small indentation in the center with the back of a spoon.
5. First Round Baking: Bake the meringues for about 45 minutes at 80°C, keeping the oven door slightly ajar.
6. Increase Temperature for Crispness: Continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes at 130°C to achieve a crispy texture.
7. Cooling Stage: Turn off the oven and let the meringues rest inside for about 1 hour to ensure they're fully set.
8. Prepare the Kiwi: Wash, peel, and slice the kiwis lengthwise into quarters, then into thin slices.
9. Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse, hull, and cut the strawberries into small pieces.
10. Mix the Fruits: Gently fold the raspberries into the mixture of kiwis and strawberries.
11. Flavor the Fruits: Mix the rum (if using) with the honey and drizzle over the fruit mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
12. Assemble the Desserts: Place meringue nests on serving plates. Optionally, drizzle some melted chocolate into the indentations.
13. Add the Fruit Mixture: Spoon the fruit mixture onto the meringue nests, ensuring the fruits are evenly distributed.
14. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the meringue desserts as soon as they are assembled.

Tips

• Whipping Egg Whites: Ensure that your bowl and utensils are completely grease-free for optimal whipping results.
• Fruit Substitutions: Use seasonal fruits like mangoes or blueberries for different flavor profiles.
• Storing Meringues: Store meringues in an airtight container if not used immediately to maintain their crispness.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Protein: 2 g
• Fats: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g

Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Simply omit the rum for a kid-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Option: Use aquafaba in place of egg whites for a vegan adaptation.

Serving Suggestions

• With Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with a light white wine or a refreshing mint tea for a balanced experience.

Best Places

• Angelina Paris - Known for exquisite pastries and signature hot chocolate. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Buvette - A charming space offering delicious French bites and pastries. Location: 42 Grove St, New York, USA.
• Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its inventive flavor combinations in pastries. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Ladurée - Offers classic French desserts in an elegant ambience. Location: 16 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Café Central - Known for its traditional Viennese café culture and pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Café de la Paix - A historic café offering fine dining and exquisite pastries. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
• Caffè Florian - Offers an authentic Venetian experience with its fine coffees and pastries. Location: Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy.
• Demel - Known for its classic Austrian pastries and cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Café Sacher - Famous for the original Sachertorte. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Maison Bertaux - The oldest pâtisserie in London, known for French cakes and pastries. Location: 28 Greek Street, London, UK.