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

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Food Facts

The world's most popular spice is black pepper. It is native to South India and has been traded for thousands of years.

Cooking Tips

To avoid over-salting a dish, taste and season gradually. Remember, you can always add more salt, but it's challenging to fix an overly salty dish.

Ingredient Spotlight

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice with a warm and earthy flavor. It is commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Turmeric adds color and depth to curries, rice dishes, and sauces.

Foraging Facts

Foraging can be a great way to connect with nature and engage in mindful activities. Take the time to observe your surroundings, appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and learn about the ecosystems in which these wild foods thrive.

Baking Hacks

To prevent cookie dough from spreading too much during baking, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough retain its shape and texture.

Culinary Terms

Dredging is the process of lightly coating food items with flour or breadcrumbs before cooking. It adds a crispy crust and helps retain moisture during cooking.

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

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

Pumpkin spice blend is a seasonal favorite, often associated with fall and winter flavors. It combines spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Pumpkin spice blend can be used to flavor baked goods, hot beverages, or even sprinkled over roasted vegetables for a touch of warmth and sweetness.

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

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.