Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests

Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Indulge in a delightful dessert with these Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests. These sweet and crispy meringue nests are filled with a variety of fresh fruits and drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

History

Meringue nests have been a popular dessert for centuries, with their light and airy texture making them a favorite among dessert lovers. The addition of chocolate chips adds a delicious twist to the traditional meringue recipe, while the fresh fruit filling provides a burst of flavor and color.

Ingredients

Meringues

4 large egg whites
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 package Nestlé® Toll House® semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3 cups fresh fruit

Chocolate sauce

1 box Nestlé® carnation® evaporated milk
1 package Nestlé® Toll House® semi-sweet chocolate morsels
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
0.13 tsp salt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
Lightly grease the baking sheets.
In a large mixer bowl, beat the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved.
Gently fold in the morsels.
Spread the meringue into ten nests, each measuring 3 inches in diameter, with deep wells about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the meringues are dry and crisp.
Allow the meringues to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
In a medium, heavy-duty saucepan, heat the evaporated milk until boiling.
Stir in the morsels.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is slightly thickened and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
Drizzle the meringues with chocolate sauce and fill them with fruit (such as whole blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, sliced kiwi, peaches, or strawberries).
Serve immediately.

Variations

Try using different types of fresh fruit in the meringue nests, such as mango, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds.
Experiment with different flavors of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy meringue.

- Gradually adding the sugar while beating the egg whites helps to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth meringue.

- Be gentle when folding in the chocolate chips to avoid deflating the meringue mixture.

- Allow the meringues to cool completely before filling them with fruit to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal. Pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites until soft peaks form is essential for creating a light and airy meringue.

- Folding in the chocolate chips gently helps to distribute them evenly throughout the meringue mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.

- You can use any type of fresh fruit you prefer in the meringue nests, depending on your personal taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meringue nests in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them with fruit and drizzle with chocolate sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve them on individual dessert plates for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a sophisticated dessert pairing. The light and crispy meringue nests complement the effervescence of the wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The fresh fruit filling in Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (chocolate chips and evaporated milk), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests are a delicious dessert option that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests are a delightful dessert option that combines the sweetness of meringue with the freshness of fruit and the richness of chocolate. Enjoy these crispy and flavorful treats for a special occasion or as a sweet ending to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most enticing aroma of chocolate and fruit. Margaret was busy whipping up a batch of her famous Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests, and I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

I had never seen anything quite like it before - delicate meringue nests filled with a mix of fresh fruit and chocolate chips. The combination sounded absolutely heavenly, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself. Margaret noticed my interest and with a twinkle in her eye, she invited me to join her in the kitchen.

As we worked side by side, Margaret shared with me the story of how she first discovered this recipe. It was many years ago, when she was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. One day, a traveling baker passed through town and shared his recipe for these delectable meringue nests with Margaret's family. They were so impressed by the unique combination of flavors that they quickly became a family favorite.

Margaret's mother, a talented cook in her own right, took the recipe and made it her own. She experimented with different types of fruit and chocolate, eventually settling on a mix of fresh berries and dark chocolate chips. The result was a dessert that was not only delicious, but also beautiful to look at - the perfect addition to any special occasion.

As Margaret and I worked together to create our own batch of Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests, she shared with me some of her tips and tricks for making the perfect meringue. It was all about patience and precision, she explained, making sure to whip the egg whites just right and fold in the sugar gently to achieve that light and airy texture.

As the meringue nests baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent, Margaret and I chatted about our shared love of cooking. She told me about all the different recipes she had collected over the years, each one more special than the last. She had learned from her mother, her grandmother, and even from strangers she had met while traveling - always eager to pick up a new trick or technique to add to her culinary repertoire.

When the meringue nests were finally ready, we carefully filled them with a mixture of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, sprinkling in the dark chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence. The end result was a work of art - sweet, crunchy meringue shells filled with a burst of juicy fruit and rich chocolate. Margaret and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, savoring each bite and exchanging stories about our shared love of cooking, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to learn from such a talented and generous friend. Margaret's Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests would forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that can be found in the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, armed with Margaret's recipe and her words of wisdom, I returned home inspired to continue my own culinary journey. I would go on to make those meringue nests many times over, each batch a tribute to the friendship and memories I had shared with Margaret in her cozy kitchen. And as I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I knew that the legacy of those delicious treats would live on for generations to come.