A Wild French Pastry Meringue with Seven Colors of Strawberry and Edible Wildflowers

Prep Time: Estimated 30 minutes
Cook Time: Estimated 1 hour
Total Time: Estimated 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 6 large egg whites
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Assorted food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink)
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Edible wildflowers for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
3. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
5. Add the vanilla extract and gently fold it into the meringue.
6. Divide the meringue into 7 equal portions. Add a few drops of different food coloring to each portion and gently fold until the desired color is achieved.
7. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe the colored meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, creating small mounds or nests.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meringue is crisp and dry.
9. Remove from the oven and let the meringue cool completely on the baking sheet.
10. Once cooled, carefully remove the meringue nests from the parchment paper.
11. Fill each meringue nest with sliced strawberries.
12. Garnish with edible wildflowers.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: The meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them with strawberries just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your own variations or substitutions. Enjoy the delightful flavors and vibrant colors of this wild French pastry meringue!

Ingredient Pairings

Sage and butternut squash make a delightful pairing, as the earthy and slightly peppery flavor of sage enhances the sweetness of the squash. This combination is often used in comforting fall dishes like soups and risottos.

Food Facts

Pineapples are not actually a single fruit, but a group of berries fused together. Each 'eye' on a pineapple is a separate flower with its own sweet juice.

Cooking Tips

When making fluffy scrambled eggs, whisk them vigorously before cooking and incorporate a small amount of milk or cream. This helps to create lighter and fluffier eggs.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mango is a tropical fruit known for its juicy, sweet flavor and vibrant color. It can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used in both sweet and savory dishes. Mango is popular in Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisines.

Foraging Facts

Foraging for wild herbs like thyme, rosemary, and mint can provide a fresh and aromatic addition to your culinary creations. Look for them in wild meadows, hillsides, or along hiking trails.

Baking Hacks

To quickly soften butter for baking, place it between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound it with a rolling pin. This softens the butter without melting it.

Culinary Terms

Julienne is a knife cutting technique where vegetables or other ingredients are cut into thin, matchstick-like strips. It is commonly used for garnishing, stir-fries, and salads.

Dry Rubs

If you're a fan of smoky flavors, incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder into your dry rub. These spices lend a delightful smokiness to meats, especially when combined with other ingredients like brown sugar, cumin, and garlic powder.

Wet Rubs

Experiment with your favorite ingredients and flavors to create unique wet rubs that suit your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to mix and match herbs, spices, liquids, and other seasonings to develop your signature wet rub recipes.

Spice Blends

Italian seasoning is a classic blend of herbs that adds a Mediterranean touch to dishes. It typically includes dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Italian seasoning can be used to season pasta sauces, marinades, roasted vegetables, or even sprinkled over pizza.

Infused Oils

When using infused oils for cooking, it's best to keep the heat at a medium level to prevent the flavors from breaking down. High heat can diminish the aromas and delicate flavors of the infused oil, so it's ideal for finishing dishes or using them in raw preparations.

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are blossoms that can be consumed as part of a dish or used as garnishes. They add visual appeal and delicate flavors to both sweet and savory dishes. Some common edible flowers include pansies, marigolds, nasturtiums, violets, lavender, and roses. Edible flowers can be used in salads, desserts, cocktails, or as a decorative element on cakes or pastries. It's important to note that not all flowers are edible, so it's essential to use flowers specifically labeled as edible.