French Meringue Clouds

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites (120g) 4 large egg whites (120g)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 50 kcal / 209 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gently fold in the vanilla extract and salt until well incorporated.
5. 5.
   Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
6. 6.
   Pipe small clouds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. 7.
   Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the meringue cookies are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside for an additional 30 minutes to cool and dry completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, store the French Meringue Clouds in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Egg whites — Ensure that there are no traces of egg yolk in the whites, as even a small amount can prevent the egg whites from properly whipping. Use room temperature eggs for best results.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure all utensils and bowls used for whipping the egg whites are clean and free from any grease or residue.
• Adding cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon) to the egg whites can help stabilize them and create a sturdier meringue.
• For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the meringue clouds with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding a few drops of food coloring or flavored extracts to the meringue mixture.
• Store the meringue cookies in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming sticky.

Serving advice

Serve these French Meringue Clouds as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a beautiful addition to dessert platters or can be packaged in gift boxes for special occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meringue clouds on a decorative serving platter or a tiered dessert stand to showcase their delicate appearance. Dust them with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.