Firstly, happy valentine's day to all!
Or as Spanish people say, Feliz Dia de San Valentin!
Today, I bring you back-to-back recipe this weekend. Valentine's Day wouldn't be Valentine's Day here on BakingBoutique without a sweet treat being involved.
For this year, I have decided to make homemade meringues for the first time.
In order to concoct this original Switzerland treat, you'll need:
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
115g of caster sugar
115g of icing sugar
Method:
Firstly, preheat the oven to 110℃/100℃/ Gas Mark ¼.
Line baking trays with 2 sheets of non stick greaseproof paper.
Next tip 4 large egg whites into a large clean mixing bowl (not plastic). Beat the whites at a medium speed with an electric hand whisk, until the mixture resembles a fluffy cloud and stand sup in stiff peaks (as shown below).
Slightly increase the speed of the mixer and begin to add the caster sugar, a spoonful at a time.
Continue to beat a little by little during intervals. It is necessary to add sugar gradually as it prevents the meringue from "weeping later".
It's also very important not to overbeat. If you would like me to write a separate blog post on secrets behind mastering whisking techniques.
After all the sugar has been added, the mixture should look thick and glossy(I have left images so you can reference your own).
Sift around a third of icing sugar into mixture and very gently fold in using a big metal spoon. Continue to do this until all icing sugar is used.
Avoid overbeating in this step and the mixture should look smooth and bouncy.
Scoop up a teaspoon of mixture, and using another teaspoon to ease mix onto baking sheet.
I chose to do this method, however, taking the time and effort to use a piping bag makes the meringues look more sweet and appealing, so I would recommend you to use.
Bake the meringues in the oven for 1 ½ or 1 ¾ hours until the meringues sound crisp when tapped underneath.
The meringues should be a pale coffee colour. Leave to cool on a cooling rack and eso es todo! There are multiple variations for decorating meringues. For the theme of Valentine's, I have decided to use strawberries. However, I'll leave photos of other ways to decorate meringues below.
Y ahí está! Your easy to make meringues, for your loves one or a little treat to yourself this valentine!
Photos:
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| Successfully separating all egg whites(minus the slight spill next to cup) |
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| Fluffy cloud |
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| Smooth and bouncy |
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| Folding in |
My last thoughts:
Let me know if you'd like me to write an updated blog post on whisking techniques, tricks to avoid overbeating etc.
Source:Giphy
Book of the month: Love In Colour by Bolu Babalola
Although I have recently started the book, the first story, Osun, really resonated with me and I enjoyed reading very much :)
Quote of the month: Romans 12:12:
For those who are religious, this bible verse taught me/ highlighted the importance of prayer and when in doubt to persevere. If you are non-religious, the overall message of the quote is to keep hope and stay optimistic, which is what my goal has been since the new year!
Song of the month: Dave In The Fire Brit Award 2022
Dave gave an fantastic performance last Tuesday, which has been trending on YouTube since.
That's all from me, see you later!
#sweetreats
