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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:
- Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
- Add the vanilla extract and gently fold it into the meringue.
- 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.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe the colored meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, creating small mounds or nests.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meringue is crisp and dry.
- Remove from the oven and let the meringue cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the meringue nests from the parchment paper.
- Fill each meringue nest with sliced strawberries.
- Garnish with edible wildflowers.
- 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
Chocolate comes from the seeds of the cacao tree. The scientific name for the cacao tree is Theobroma cacao, which translates to 'food of the gods'.
Cooking Tips
When simmering sauces or soups, use a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. This helps to thicken the sauce or concentrate the flavors without excessive evaporation.
Ingredient Spotlight
Rosemary is a fragrant herb with a piney and citrusy flavor. It pairs well with roasted meats, potatoes, and root vegetables. Rosemary can be used fresh or dried and adds an aromatic touch to various dishes.
Foraging Facts
When foraging for edible plants, avoid areas that might have been exposed to pesticides or pollutants, such as roadsides or areas near industrial sites. Opt for clean, pristine environments for your foraging adventures.
Baking Hacks
When making a pie crust, freeze the butter and grate it into the flour mixture using a box grater. This helps distribute the butter evenly and results in a flakier crust.
Culinary Terms
Flambé is a dramatic cooking technique where alcohol, such as brandy or rum, is poured over a dish and ignited to create a burst of flames. It adds a unique flavor and presentation to certain dishes.
Dry Rubs
For a Mediterranean-inspired dry rub, consider using a combination of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder. This blend works well on chicken, lamb, or even grilled vegetables, adding a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your dishes.
Wet Rubs
Wet rubs offer a fantastic way to infuse your meats with bold and complex flavors. By combining liquid ingredients with herbs and spices, wet rubs create a flavorful paste that adheres to the meat, enhancing both its taste and tenderness.
Spice Blends
Zesty lemon pepper seasoning combines the bright flavors of lemon zest with black pepper and other spices. It adds a tangy and peppery kick to seafood, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables. Lemon pepper seasoning is a versatile blend that can bring a burst of freshness to your dishes.
Infused Oils
Infused oils can elevate simple dishes by adding layers of flavor and complexity. Whether drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a finishing touch for grilled meats, or incorporated into marinades and dressings, they have the power to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
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.
