Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Best: Romantic Dessert 4


Palova


I finally buckled down and gave these a little trial run in preps for a V-day dessert. So, mine weren't nearly as pertty in appearence (practice makes perfect, right??) but the taste and texture was fantastic... Like eating a fluff of air!



4 large egg whites, room temperature

Pinch of salt

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whipped


Mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, boysenberries, or blackberries, for serving (optional)


Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using an 8-inch bowl as a guide, trace the perimeter of the bowl onto a sheet of parchment paper. Transfer parchment paper, pencil side down, to a baking sheet. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and salt together until glossy peaks form. With mixer running, add sugar in three additions, beating until meringue is stiff and glossy. Sprinkle in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla; gently fold to combine. Mound the meringue in the center of the 8-inch circle. Using a spatula, evenly spread meringue out towards the edges. Transfer baking sheet to oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250 degrees. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn off oven and let meringue cool completely in oven. When meringue is cool and completely dry, top with whipped cream and desired fruits. First published: May 2007

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