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

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar create a harmonious balance of flavors. The fruity and robust taste of olive oil pairs well with the tangy and slightly sweet notes of balsamic vinegar, making it a versatile dressing or dip.

Food Facts

Cabbage contains a high amount of vitamin C and is often used as a natural remedy for soothing skin irritations and reducing inflammation.

Cooking Tips

When grilling vegetables, brush them with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking and enhance their natural flavors. Grilling vegetables brings out their sweetness and adds a smoky char.

Ingredient Spotlight

Blueberries are small, juicy fruits that are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. They have a sweet and slightly tangy taste. Blueberries are delicious on their own, added to breakfast foods, or used in baked goods like muffins and pies.

Foraging Facts

Foraging is a lifelong learning process, and there is always more to discover. Joining local foraging groups, attending workshops, or learning from experienced foragers can deepen your knowledge and enhance your foraging skills.

Baking Hacks

When working with sticky dough or batter, wet your hands or utensils with water to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to handle and shape the dough.

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

When applying a dry rub, make sure to coat the meat evenly and rub it in gently to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat. It's best to let the seasoned meat sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop. This resting time helps the dry rub to form a flavorful crust on the meat during cooking.

Wet Rubs

To create a bold and smoky wet rub, combine ingredients like molasses, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. This robust wet rub works wonders on beef, pork, or even tofu, providing a rich and intense flavor profile.

Spice Blends

Chinese barbecue (char siu) seasoning is a blend of Chinese five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and other ingredients. It adds a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor to grilled or roasted meats, particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine.

Infused Oils

Have fun exploring the world of infused oils and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. With a little experimentation, you can discover your favorite combinations and create signature infused oils that will enhance your cooking and delight your taste buds.

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.