Meringue baskets or mini Pavlova

Meringue cups with vanilla cream and strawberries - a delicacy that's easy to prepare

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8 cups

Welcome to the world of fine delicacies! Today, I will present to you an enticing recipe for meringue cups, also known as mini Pavlovas. These crunchy delights on the outside and fluffy on the inside are perfectly balanced by vanilla cream and fresh strawberries. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these cups will surely impress with their elegant appearance and delicious taste.

A brief story about Pavlova

Although the name suggests an exotic origin, Pavlova has become a beloved dessert worldwide. It is said to have been created in honor of a famous Russian ballerina, and the light, airy meringue reflects her grace. Meringue cups are a smaller, playful version, perfect for individual servings.

Ingredients you need

For the meringue:
- 6 egg whites (about 180 g)
- 350 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- vanilla essence (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons whipped cream

For decoration:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- a few fresh strawberries
- strawberry sauce (pureed strawberries mixed with sugar)

Steps to achieve perfect meringue cups

1. Preparing the meringue:
- Start by preheating the oven to 100°C. This is an important step to achieve a perfectly dry meringue.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed. It is essential that the bowl is completely dry and free of grease. This will ensure a more stable foam.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. Test if the sugar has completely dissolved by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; you should not feel any granules.
- Once you have achieved this consistency, add the vinegar or lemon juice, as well as the cornstarch. These ingredients will help the meringue to be more stable.
- On a baking sheet, draw 8 equal circles. You can use a compass or a glass to help you. Then, using a piping bag (or even a simple plastic bag), pipe the meringue inside the circles, forming a small wall around the edges to create the cups.

2. Baking the meringue:
- Place the baking sheet on the second rack of the oven. It is important that the oven door is slightly ajar, to allow moisture to escape, thus helping the meringue dry evenly.
- Bake the cups for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. In the end, turn off the heat and let the cups cool in the oven to avoid cracking.

3. Preparing the vanilla cream:
- In a saucepan, mix the milk, flour or cornstarch, eggs, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- When the cream starts to thicken, add the vanilla essence and mix well. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let the cream cool.
- After it has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream into the vanilla cream to achieve a light and airy texture.

4. Assembling the cups:
- Fill each meringue cup with the vanilla cream using a piping bag. Then, decorate with slices of fresh strawberries, and for an extra touch of flavor, add a drizzle of strawberry sauce on top.
- These cups are not only delicious but also a true visual feast!

Practical tips and variations:
- If you don't have strawberries on hand, you can use other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
- Another delicious variation is to add a splash of vanilla liqueur to the vanilla cream for a more sophisticated taste.
- Make sure the meringue is well dried; otherwise, the risk of it becoming soggy is high.
- If you're short on time, you can opt for pudding made from pudding powder, which is quick to prepare and an excellent alternative.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why did my meringues crack? A common cause is baking at too high a temperature. Make sure the temperature is consistent and the oven door remains ajar.
- How can I store meringues? It is recommended to consume them the same day, but if you want to keep them, store them in an airtight container away from moisture.
- Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar, but the final result may vary.

Nutrition and calories:
Each serving of meringue cups with vanilla cream and strawberries contains approximately 250 calories. The meringue is low in fat but high in sugar. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

These meringue cups are a true indulgence and an excellent way to bring a touch of elegance to any meal. I encourage you to try them and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: -6 egg whites -350 g sugar -1 teaspoon vinegar -2 teaspoons cornstarch -200 ml cream -a few strawberries -strawberry sauce (blended strawberries mixed with sugar) Vanilla cream: -500 ml milk -2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch -2 eggs -5 tablespoons sugar -vanilla essence -3 tablespoons whipped cream

 Tags:  meringue strawberries pavlova