Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue

Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue Recipe from Egypt - Delicious and Unique

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, rich flavor of brown sugar with the tartness of fresh blackberries, all nestled in a light, airy meringue. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the balance of flavors and textures in their desserts. The addition of crème de cassis adds a luxurious depth to the blackberries, making this dish not only visually appealing but also a treat for the taste buds.

History

The concept of meringue dates back to the 17th century, with its origins often disputed between Switzerland, France, and Italy. However, the addition of brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile is a more modern twist on the traditional white sugar meringue. The use of blackberries and crème de cassis in this recipe adds a contemporary and sophisticated touch, making it a relatively recent innovation in the world of desserts.

Ingredients

175 g / 6 oz / 1 cup of soft light brown sugar
3 egg whites
5 ml / 1 tsp of distilled malt vinegar
2.5 ml / 0.5 tsp of vanilla extract

Filling

350 – 450 g / 12 oz - 1 lb / 3-4 cups of blackberries
30 ml / 2 tbsp of crème de cassis
300 ml / 0.5 pt / 1.25 cups of double cream
15 ml / 1 tbsp of sifted icing sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 160°C / 325°F / gas 3.
Draw a 20 cm circle on a sheet of non-stick baking paper, flip it over, and place it on a baking sheet.
Spread the brown sugar on another baking sheet and dry it in the oven for 8–10 minutes.
Sieve the brown sugar to remove any lumps.
Whisk the egg whites in a bowl until stiff.
Add half of the dried brown sugar, 15 ml / 1 tbsp at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Add the vinegar and vanilla extract, then fold in the remaining sugar.
Spoon the meringue onto the drawn circle on the paper, creating a hollow in the center.
Bake for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the meringue in the oven with the door slightly open until it cools.
Place the blackberries in a bowl, sprinkle creme de cassis over them, and let them macerate for 30 minutes.
Once the meringue is cold, carefully remove the non-stick baking paper and transfer the meringue to a serving plate.
Lightly whip the cream with the icing sugar and spoon it into the center of the meringue.
Top with the blackberries and decorate with small blackberry leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider substituting raspberries or mixed berries for the blackberries. A splash of lemon juice in the meringue can add a refreshing zing, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a perfect meringue, make sure your bowl and whisk are completely grease-free before starting. Any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume. Adding the sugar gradually is key to a glossy, stable meringue. For the blackberries, choosing ripe but firm berries will give the best flavor and appearance.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best served immediately after assembly to ensure the meringue remains crisp. It's perfect as a summer dessert when blackberries are in season, offering a refreshing and light option after a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect meringue involves carefully separating the egg whites, ensuring no yolk is mixed in. The dry baking technique for the brown sugar helps to create a smooth, lump-free meringue.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can replace the double cream in the filling. Maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The meringue base can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container once completely cooled. However, it's best to assemble the dessert just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the meringue on a vintage cake stand for an elegant display. Garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of sophistication.

Pairing Recommendations

A sweet dessert wine or a sparkling Prosecco complements the flavors of the Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue beautifully, making for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Meringue does not store well once assembled with the cream and berries. However, the meringue shell can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the meringue chewy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Given the ingredients, a single serving of this dessert can be relatively high in calories, primarily due to the sugar and cream. It's a treat best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the sugar content in both the meringue and the filling. The brown sugar in the meringue and the natural sugars in the blackberries contribute to the total carbohydrate count.

Fats

The fat content in this recipe comes mainly from the double cream used in the filling. While it's not a significant amount, those watching their fat intake should consume this dessert in moderation.

Proteins

Egg whites are an excellent source of high-quality protein. While this dessert is not particularly high in protein, it does contribute a small amount to your daily intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Blackberries are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, manganese, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dessert, making it not only delicious but also beneficial in small quantities.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are eggs and dairy. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or look for suitable substitutions.

Summary

While the Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue is a delightful treat, it is high in sugars and contains dairy and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with certain dietary restrictions. However, it also offers nutritional benefits from the blackberries, including vitamins and antioxidants.

Summary

The Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue is a sumptuous dessert that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tartness of blackberries, all encased in a light, airy meringue. While indulgent, it also offers nutritional benefits from the berries. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat, this dessert is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and elegant presentation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue. It was a hot summer day, and I had just returned home from a leisurely walk through the countryside. As I walked through the door, I was greeted by the sweet smell of blackberries wafting through the air. Intrigued, I followed the scent to the kitchen where my dear friend Martha was busy at work.

Martha was a master in the kitchen, and I always marveled at her culinary skills. She had a way of taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly extraordinary. On this particular day, she was in the midst of creating a stunning dessert that would soon become one of my all-time favorites.

As I watched Martha work her magic, I couldn't help but ask her about the recipe she was using. With a twinkle in her eye, she began to recount the story of how she had first learned to make Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue.

"It all started many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on my family's farm," Martha began. "My grandmother was an incredible cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious desserts using whatever ingredients she had on hand. One day, she decided to make a dessert using fresh blackberries from our garden."

Martha's eyes lit up as she spoke, and I could tell that this recipe held a special place in her heart. She continued, "My grandmother gathered the ripest blackberries she could find and mixed them with a generous amount of brown sugar. She then whipped up a batch of fluffy meringue and folded in the sweetened blackberries."

"As the dessert baked in the oven, the scent of blackberries and brown sugar filled the kitchen," Martha recalled. "When it was finally ready, my grandmother pulled it out of the oven and served it warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It was truly a sight to behold."

I could almost taste the dessert in my mind as Martha described it, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself. Martha must have sensed my eagerness, because she smiled and handed me a handwritten recipe card.

"This is the recipe for Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue," Martha said. "I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do."

With that, Martha bid me farewell and I set to work in my own kitchen, following her instructions to the letter. I gathered fresh blackberries from my garden, mixed them with brown sugar, and whipped up a batch of meringue. As the dessert baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, just as it had in Martha's.

When the Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue was finally ready, I pulled it out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown crust and bubbling blackberry filling. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that hot summer day in Martha's kitchen. The flavors of the blackberries and brown sugar danced on my tongue, and the light, fluffy meringue melted in my mouth. It was a dessert unlike any other, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own collection.

From that day on, I continued to make Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue whenever I wanted to treat myself to a taste of nostalgia. Each time I whipped up a batch, I would think of Martha and her grandmother, and the love and care they had poured into this simple yet extraordinary dessert.

And so, the recipe for Blackberry Brown Sugar Meringue became a staple in my kitchen, passed down through the generations and cherished by all who had the pleasure of tasting it. It was a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I will always be grateful.