Anise and Sour Meringue Biscuits

 Ingredients: 350 g flour, 50 g cornstarch, 200 g margarine, 100 g powdered sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon ground anise. Meringue: 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 5 tablespoons of sugar, juice from 1/2 lemon.

To prepare these delicious meringue cookies, we start by ensuring we have all the ingredients ready and at hand. In a bowl, carefully gather the flour, which should be of good quality, mixed with cornstarch. This combination will give the cookies a slightly crunchy texture and a subtle flavor. In the center of the flour, form a well, like a small crater, into which melted and cooled butter will be added. It is essential that the butter is not hot, so as not to curdle the eggs. In this well, add the egg yolks, powdered sugar, and anise powder, which will add a note of freshness and fragrance.

Once all the ingredients are added, start kneading the dough. It is a pleasant process that requires a little patience. The dough should become smooth and homogeneous. Once the desired consistency is achieved, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to harden, making it easier to roll out the dough.

After the time has elapsed, take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a surface sprinkled with a little flour, to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out discs or desired shapes, placing them carefully, leaving a small space between them, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

While the cookies are preparing for the oven, we take care of the meringue. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to whip until we achieve a firm and shiny meringue. Finally, gently fold in the lemon juice, which will add a fresh flavor and help stabilize the meringue.

On each cookie, spread a thin layer of meringue, smoothing it with a spatula. The prepared cookies are then placed in the preheated oven at a moderate temperature and baked for about 20 minutes, until they are lightly browned. After this interval, it is good to leave the cookies in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 5 minutes to allow the meringue to dry better.

Finally, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a rack. They will have a crispy texture on the outside and a fluffy meringue, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy your meal!

 Tags:  flour sugar margarine lemon christmas and new year's recipes vegetarian recipes biscuits recipes for kids