Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue Recipe with Cornstarch and Vanilla

Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue

Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue Recipe with Cornstarch and Vanilla
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue
Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue

Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. This light and fluffy meringue is the perfect topping for pies, adding a sweet and airy touch to any dessert.

History

This recipe has been a family favorite for decades, with Great-Grandma Bacon perfecting the technique of creating the ideal meringue. The secret to her perfect meringue lies in the combination of cornstarch and cold water, creating a thick and stable base for the fluffy egg whites.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and cold water. Stir well until dissolved.
  2. Add boiling water and cook over medium heat until thickened. Set aside until completely cooled.
  3. Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature.
  4. Beat the egg whites and gradually add sugar and salt. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  5. Fold in the vanilla and beat in the cold cornstarch mixture.
  6. Top the pie with the meringue and bake according to the given instructions.
  7. Avoid refrigerating the pie, as it may alter the texture of the meringue.

Variations

  • Add a touch of lemon zest to the meringue for a citrusy twist.
  • Sprinkle crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the meringue before baking for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating to ensure maximum volume.

- Gradually add sugar to the egg whites while beating to create a smooth and glossy meringue.

- Fold in the vanilla and cornstarch mixture gently to maintain the airy texture of the meringue.

- Avoid overmixing the meringue to prevent it from becoming dense and flat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this meringue on top of your favorite pie, such as lemon meringue or chocolate cream pie, for a delicious and light dessert.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Folding in the vanilla and cornstarch mixture gently ensures that the meringue maintains its fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.

- Use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie meringue.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meringue ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Pipe the meringue onto the pie using a pastry bag for a decorative touch, or simply spread it on top with a spatula for a rustic look.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meringue in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating the meringue, as it may become soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This meringue recipe is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of this meringue provides around 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Meringue is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs.

Summary

Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue is a low-fat and low-calorie dessert option, perfect for those looking for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Summary

Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue is a timeless recipe that adds a sweet and airy touch to any dessert. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a light and fluffy meringue that will impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue. It was a cold winter day, and I had been searching through old recipe cards in my grandmother's attic. As I sorted through the yellowed and tattered cards, I came across one that was written in a delicate script that I recognized as my great-grandmother's handwriting.

The card was titled "Perfect Meringue" and underneath were the ingredients and instructions on how to make it. I could feel the excitement building inside me as I read through the recipe. Meringue had always been one of my favorite desserts, and I knew that if this recipe was from my great-grandmother, it had to be something special.

I rushed down from the attic and into the kitchen, eager to try out the recipe. I gathered all the ingredients - egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract - and set to work following the instructions on the recipe card. As I whipped the egg whites into stiff peaks and folded in the sugar and cream of tartar, I could feel a sense of connection to my great-grandmother, even though I had never met her.

The meringue baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a sweet and nostalgic aroma. When it was finally done, I took it out and marveled at how perfectly golden brown it was. I couldn't wait to taste it, and when I finally did, I knew that this recipe was something truly special.

As I savored the light and airy texture of the meringue, I thought about how my great-grandmother must have learned to make this recipe herself. I imagined her in her own kitchen, carefully measuring out the ingredients and whipping the egg whites by hand, just as I had done. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations of my family.

Over the years, I have made Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue many times, each time thinking of my great-grandmother and the legacy of cooking that she had passed down to me. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a beloved dessert in our household.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the connection that it has given me to my past. Cooking has always been a way for me to feel connected to my family and my heritage, and this recipe for Great-Grandma Bacon's Perfect Meringue is a perfect example of that.

I can only imagine the joy that my great-grandmother must have felt when she first made this meringue, and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to carry on her tradition. I will always cherish this recipe and the memories that it holds for me. And every time I make it, I will think of my great-grandmother and the love that she put into every dish she made.

Categories

| Bacon Recipes | Meringue Pie Recipes | World Recipes |

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