Meringues are one of the most popular desserts all around the world. They are sweet, light, and airy, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Mary Berry, the famous British chef and television personality, has an excellent recipe for meringues that is easy to follow and produces perfect results every time. In this article, we will share Mary Berry's recipe for meringues, along with some tips and tricks to make the perfect meringue every time.
Ingredients
To make Mary Berry's meringues, you will need the following ingredients:
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
225g caster sugar
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp cornflour
1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Whites
The most important ingredient in meringues is egg whites. It is essential to use fresh egg whites that are at room temperature. Cold egg whites will not whip up properly, and old egg whites will not hold their shape. Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully, making sure no yolk gets into the whites. Even a tiny amount of yolk can prevent the egg whites from whipping up.
Caster Sugar
Caster sugar is finer than granulated sugar, which makes it easier to dissolve in the egg whites. It is essential to use caster sugar instead of granulated sugar in this recipe.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is added to the meringue to stabilize it and help it hold its shape. You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar.
Cornflour
Cornflour is added to the meringue to help thicken it and stabilize it.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is added to give the meringues a delicious flavor.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients let's move on to the instructions to create Mary Berry's meringues:
Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan)/300°F/gas mark 2.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
Using an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Add the white wine vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined.
Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, creating six to eight mounds, leaving space between each mound.
Use the back of a spoon to create a slight indentation in the center of each mound.
Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 1 hour until the meringues are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool down completely.
Once cooled, remove the meringues from the oven and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Whisking the Egg Whites
Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk out of the mixture, the egg whites will stand up in peaks that do not fall over. It is important not to over-whisk the egg whites, as this can cause them to become dry and grainy.
Adding the Caster Sugar
Add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously. This will help the sugar dissolve and prevent the meringues from becoming grainy.
Creating the Indentation
Use the back of a spoon to create a slight indentation in the center of each mound. This will create space for the filling.
Cooling the Meringues
It is important to let the meringues cool down completely in the oven before removing them. This will prevent them from collapsing or cracking.
Nutrition
Meringues are a low-fat dessert that is suitable for people on a diet. Mary Berry's meringues contain approximately 100 calories per serving, depending on the size of the meringue. They are also gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for people with dietary restrictions.
Calories
Mary Berry's meringues contain approximately 100 calories per serving. This means that if you make six to eight meringues from this recipe, each meringue will contain around 100 calories.
Fat
Meringues are a low-fat dessert that is suitable for people on a diet. Mary Berry's meringues contain less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Carbohydrates
Meringues are made almost entirely from sugar, which makes them high in carbohydrates. Mary Berry's meringues contain around 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Protein
Egg whites are an excellent source of protein, making meringues a healthy dessert option. Mary Berry's meringues contain around 2 grams of protein per serving.
Conclusion
Mary Berry's meringues are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that is sure to impress your guests. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can ensure that your meringues turn out perfectly every time. So go ahead and give Mary Berry's meringues a try, and enjoy this sweet treat with your loved ones!
