Meringues

Delicious Crunchy Marshmallow Crunch recipe

Introduction

Marshmallows are those delicacies that remind us of the good times of our childhood, when we enjoyed simple but tasty treats. These mini masterpieces of sweets, with their airy texture and sweet taste, are ideal as a quick dessert, to brighten up any meal or to serve as a snack with friends. Today, I'll share with you a simple and addictive recipe for crunchy meringue that requires just a few basic ingredients and a little patience.

Preparation time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 1-1.5 hours
- Total time: 1.5-2 hours
- Number of servings: approximately 20 marshmallows

Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 glass (about 200 g) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 40 g cornstarch
- Biscuit flour for greasing the tray

The passion of making marshmallows

We start by preparing with patience and love, because marshmallow recipes are a true art. Making marshmallows can seem intimidating, but with a few simple techniques and helpful tips, you'll get a perfect result every time.

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature as they whip better. It's recommended to use fresh eggs as they have a firmer structure, which helps to form more foam. Also, it is essential that the bowl in which you will be beating the egg whites is completely clean and dry, with no trace of grease.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites

In a large bowl, add the 4 egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer, start beating the egg whites on low speed, then gradually increase the speed. When the egg whites begin to foam, add the sugar gradually, a tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat. The process should take about 8-10 minutes until you have a firm, glossy foam. A useful trick is to check if the froth is ready: carefully turn the bowl upside down - if the froth isn't running, you're on the right track!

Step 3: Adding flavors

Once the foam is well whipped, add the lemon juice and cornstarch. These ingredients not only provide a subtle tartness, but also help stabilize the meringue. Mix gently with a spatula, using up and down strokes so as not to deflate the foam.

Step 4: Prepare the oven

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 120 degrees using the fan function. This will help distribute the heat evenly, ensuring the mer meringue is perfectly cooked. It is important not to bake the marshmallows at too high a temperature, as they may crack and won't get that crispy texture.

Step 5: Prepare the baking tray

Line a pan with parchment paper and lightly sprinkle with a little biscuit flour to prevent the marshmallows from sticking. This technique is essential to ensure that the marshmallows come off the tray easily after baking.

Step 6: Forming the marshmallows

Using two tablespoons, sco scoop out portions of the marshmallow mixture and shape into mounds on the prepared pan. Be sure to leave space between each marshmallow mot as they will expand during baking.

Step 7: Baking the marshmallows

Place the tray in the preheated oven. Allow the marshmallows to dry for about 1-1.5 hours, or until they are dry on the outside and peel slightly from the paper. It is important not to open the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking, as the change in temperature can affect their texture.

Step 8: Cooling and serving

Once the marshmallows are cooked, turn off the oven, but leave the marshmallows inside for another 15 minutes with the door ajar. This step helps prevent cracking. Once they have cooled completely, you can transfer them to a platter.

Serving suggestions and variations

The marshmallows can be served plain, but can also be garnished with melted chocolate, coconut flakes or ground nuts for an extra touch of flavor. You can also add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to create colorful marshmallows, perfect for parties or festive occasions.

For a really special dessert, combine marshmallows with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit sauce. They go great with a cold lemonade or flavored fruit tea.

Nutritional benefits

Marshmallows are a relatively light dessert, averaging about 35-40 calories per piece, depending on their size and the ingredients used. Egg whites are high in protein and the sugar provides a quick source of energy. However, they are best eaten in moderation as they are high in sugar.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned egg whites?
- Yes, canned egg whites are a convenient alternative, but make sure they are of good quality.

2. Why add lemon juice?
- Lemon juice helps stabilize the foam and adds a touch of freshness.

3. How can I store marshmallows?
- Marshmallows are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent moisture absorption.

4. Can I add additional flavors?
- Absolutely! Try vanilla or almond extract to add a unique flavor to the marshmallows.

Now that you have all the details, all that's left is to get cooking. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these crunchy marshmallows will bring a smile to anyone's face. Get cooking!