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

Cinnamon and apples create a warm and comforting combination. The sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of apples, making it a popular choice for desserts, oatmeal, and baked goods.

Food Facts

Peanut butter is an American invention. It was developed by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg as a protein-rich food for patients at his sanitarium in the late 1800s.

Cooking Tips

When working with hot peppers, such as jalapeños or habaneros, wear gloves to protect your skin from the spicy oils. Avoid touching your face or eyes while handling hot peppers.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mint is a refreshing herb with a cool, menthol flavor. It adds a burst of freshness to both sweet and savory dishes. Mint is commonly used in beverages, salads, desserts, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Foraging Facts

Foraging is not limited to land-based resources; freshwater and coastal areas offer a bounty of edible treasures. Look for wild edibles like watercress, samphire, or wild rice in wetland areas or along the shores of rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Baking Hacks

When making whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator beforehand. Cold utensils help the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.

Culinary Terms

Emulsify is the process of combining two liquids that do not easily mix, such as oil and vinegar, into a stable, smooth mixture. This is often achieved by slowly adding one ingredient to the other while vigorously whisking or blending.

Dry Rubs

When using a dry rub, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a moderate amount and adjust according to your taste preferences. You can always add more dry rub during the cooking process if desired.

Wet Rubs

Don't limit wet rubs to just meats! They can also be used to add a burst of flavor to vegetables or tofu. Simply coat the vegetables or tofu with the wet rub and let them marinate for a short time before grilling, roasting, or sautéing.

Spice Blends

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste that is also available in spice blend form. It typically includes chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway, and other spices. Harissa spice blend adds a fiery and smoky flavor to stews, couscous dishes, or even marinades for grilled meats.

Infused Oils

To ensure the quality and safety of your infused oils, use clean and sterilized jars or bottles for storage. Store the oils in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness and prevent them from turning rancid. Infused oils should be used within a few months for the best flavor.

Edible Flowers

One example of using edible flowers is to make a floral-infused syrup. Combine sugar, water, and edible flowers like lavender or rose petals in a saucepan, heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool and strain out the flowers. The resulting syrup can be used to flavor beverages, desserts, or even drizzled over pancakes or waffles for a touch of floral sweetness.