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

Apples and cinnamon are a classic pairing that creates a delicious balance of sweet and warm flavors. This combination is commonly used in desserts like apple pie and apple crumble.

Food Facts

The most widely consumed fruit in the world is the tomato. Although botanically a fruit, it is commonly referred to as a vegetable.

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 for edible plants can be a sustainable way to incorporate fresh ingredients into your meals. However, it's crucial to forage responsibly, respecting nature and only harvesting in areas where it's legal and sustainable.

Baking Hacks

When measuring flour for baking, use the spoon and level method. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off the excess with a straight edge. This helps to avoid compacting the flour and results in accurate measurements.

Culinary Terms

Infusion is the process of extracting flavors from herbs, spices, or other ingredients by steeping them in a liquid (such as water or oil) over time. This allows the flavors to infuse into the liquid.

Dry Rubs

For a versatile all-purpose dry rub, combine equal parts of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple yet flavorful blend complements a wide range of meats, making it a go-to option for various grilling or smoking recipes.

Wet Rubs

If you're looking for a tropical twist, try a wet rub featuring ingredients like pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime zest, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. This sweet and tangy wet rub is excellent for chicken or shrimp, adding a burst of island-inspired flavors.

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

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.