Meringues Schalen

Meringues Schalen Recipe from Switzerland - Ingredients include Egg whites, Cream of Tartar, Granulated Sugar, Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, and Strawberries

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meringues Schalen are delicate and airy desserts that are perfect for a light and sweet treat. These meringue shells are filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, creating a delicious and elegant dessert that is sure to impress.

History

Meringues have been around for centuries and are believed to have originated in France. The word "meringue" is thought to come from the Swiss village of Meiringen, where a pastry chef first created this light and fluffy dessert. Meringues Schalen, or meringue shells, are a variation of the classic meringue recipe, filled with whipped cream and fruit for a decadent treat.

Ingredients

3 egg whites
0.25 tsp cream of tartar
0.75 cup granulated sugar
0.75 cup heavy cream, chilled
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1.5 cup sliced strawberries

How to prepare

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.
Beat in the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time; continue to beat until stiff and glossy.
Do not underbeat! Using a 0.25 cup measure, drop small mounds of meringue batter onto the parchment.
Try to shape them into circular or oval shapes, using an icing spatula if needed.
Bake at 225°F (preheated) for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave them inside for 1 hour without opening the oven door.
Remove meringues from the baking sheet and gently press an indentation in the base of each using your thumb.
Let the meringues cool to room temperature.
Beat cream and powdered sugar together until stiff.
Fold 0.25 cup of the sliced fruit into the whipped cream and use it to fill the indentations on the cooled meringues.
Decorate with the remaining berry slices.
Fill the meringues only when ready to serve.

Variations

Try filling the meringue shells with different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the filled meringues for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Be patient when adding the sugar to the egg whites, adding it slowly will help create a stable meringue.

- Do not overbeat the meringue, as this can cause it to become dry and grainy.

- Let the meringues cool completely before filling them to prevent the cream from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meringues Schalen as a light and elegant dessert after a meal. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect ending to a meal.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Folding the fruit into the whipped cream gently will help maintain the light and fluffy texture of the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use different types of berries or fruit to fill the meringue shells.

- If you don't have cream of tartar, you can use a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the meringue shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with the whipped cream and fruit just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the filled meringues on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Meringues Schalen with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a luxurious dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Do not refrigerate as the meringues may become soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meringues Schalen contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meringues Schalen contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meringues Schalen contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meringues Schalen contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meringues Schalen are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Meringues Schalen contain eggs and dairy.

Summary

Meringues Schalen are a light and sweet dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Meringues Schalen are a delightful and elegant dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a light and sweet treat. With a crispy meringue shell filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, these meringues are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the light and airy texture of the meringue paired with the creamy filling for a delicious dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Meringues Schalen like it was yesterday. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Helga in her cozy kitchen. Helga was known far and wide for her incredible baking skills, and on that particular day, she was busy whipping up a batch of these delicate and delicious meringue shells.

As I watched her deftly fold the sugar into the egg whites, creating a cloud-like mixture that seemed to defy gravity, I was mesmerized. The sweet aroma of vanilla filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Helga noticed my eager expression and smiled knowingly. "Would you like to learn how to make these yourself, my dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I nodded eagerly, and she handed me a pen and a piece of paper. "Write this down," she instructed, dictating the recipe to me step by step. I carefully jotted down each ingredient and measurement, determined to recreate these delectable treats in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made these Meringues Schalen countless times, each batch turning out just as light and airy as the ones Helga first taught me to make. They have become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, always met with oohs and aahs of delight.

But it wasn't just the recipe itself that I inherited from Helga. It was her passion for cooking, her love of sharing her creations with others, and her unwavering dedication to perfecting her craft. She taught me that good food is meant to be savored and shared, and that the act of creating something delicious from scratch is a gift to be treasured.

As I whisk together the egg whites and sugar, folding in the vanilla and piping the mixture into delicate shells, I can't help but think of Helga and the invaluable lessons she imparted to me all those years ago. Her spirit lives on in every batch of Meringues Schalen I make, a sweet reminder of the power of friendship and the joy of creating something beautiful with your own two hands.

And so, as I pull the finished meringues out of the oven, their crisp exteriors and chewy centers a testament to my dedication and skill, I say a silent thank you to Helga for passing down this recipe to me. I may have learned how to make Meringues Schalen from her, but the real gift she gave me was the love and passion for cooking that will live on in me forever.