Prunus

Nut and Almond Meringues - A Crunchy Delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-35 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 meringues

Introduction

Meringues are a classic dessert, loved by many for their crunchy texture and intense nut flavor. These sweet cookies have a rich history, rooted in the pastry traditions of many cultures. Whether you enjoy them with coffee with friends or as a little treat after a delicious dinner, meringues are always an inspired choice. Plus, the recipe is simple, quick, and doesn't require advanced kitchen skills! So, let's start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 5 egg whites
- 300 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 100 g roasted and ground apricot kernels
- 50 g unsalted roasted hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 100 ml almond essence (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- Goji berries (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the egg whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is very important that the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites to help stabilize them. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This process can take between 3-5 minutes. If you want to achieve an even more stable foam, you can beat the egg whites over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie).

2. Adding the sugar: Once the egg whites have formed stiff peaks, gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. This step is essential, as the sugar needs to dissolve completely to achieve a glossy texture. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts, apricot kernels, roasted hazelnuts, and flour. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. Then, add this mixture to the egg white foam, using gentle circular motions to avoid losing the incorporated air.

4. Forming the meringues: Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a teaspoon to form small piles of the meringue mixture, being careful to take from the edge of the mixture, like dumplings. If desired, you can add goji berries on top of each pile for a more appealing look and an extra boost of nutrients.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150°C (low heat). Place the tray in the oven and bake the meringues for 25 minutes. If you want your meringues to be crunchier, you can leave the oven door slightly ajar, but you'll need to extend the baking time by a few minutes. Check them periodically to ensure they don't burn.

Useful tips for a perfect result

- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, such as pistachios or almonds, for varied flavors.
- If you want to make the meringues even more interesting, you can add some chopped dark chocolate to the mixture.
- These meringues can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best fresh.

Nutritional values

Per meringue (approximately 20g):
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use the leftover yolks in another recipe?
Yes, you can use the leftover yolks to make vanilla cream or even mayonnaise!

2. Can I replace the sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners, but you'll need to adjust the amount and test the consistency.

3. What is the best way to check if the meringues are baked?
When the meringues turn slightly golden on the edges and easily lift off the parchment paper, they are ready!

Serving and combinations

Meringues are excellent served plain, but can also be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. Additionally, a cup of green tea or a flavored coffee perfectly complements this sweet treat.

So, enjoy this quick and simple dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making them for a family gathering or simply to treat yourself, meringues are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Experiment, adapt the recipe to your preferences, and most importantly, savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 5 egg whites, 300 g sugar, a few drops of almond essence, 100 g ground walnuts, 100 g apricot kernels, 50 g unsalted roasted hazelnuts, 2 tablespoons of flour, a pinch of salt, goji berries (optional)

 Tags:  prickly pear cookies biscuits