Nectarine Meringue Crowns

Nectarine Meringue Crowns Recipe - Delicious Dessert with a Tangy Twist

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Nectarine Meringue Crowns are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of nectarines with the light and airy texture of meringue. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

The origins of Nectarine Meringue Crowns are not well-documented, but it is believed to be a modern twist on the classic meringue dessert. The combination of nectarines and meringue creates a delicious and visually appealing treat that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

2 egg whites
0.13 tsp cream of tartar
0.13 tsp nutmeg
0.67 cup sugar
1 can frozen cranberry juice
0.5 cup water
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
5 California nectarines

How to prepare

Place egg whites in a mixing bowl; add cream of tartar and nutmeg. Beat until foamy. Gradually add sugar, beating constantly, until stiff and glossy. Divide the egg mixture into 6 equal mounds on a baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon, shape them into round tarts. Bake in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 1 hour. Allow them to cool. Thaw the juice concentrate and pour it into a saucepan. Stir in water and cornstarch. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes clear. Let it cool. Fill each meringue tart with 0.5 cup of nectarine slices. Spoon the sauce over the fruit.

Variations

Substitute peaches for nectarines for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the meringue for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Thicken the cranberry juice sauce slowly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Allow the meringue crowns to cool completely before filling them with nectarines to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nectarine Meringue Crowns with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form is crucial for a successful meringue.

- Thicken the cranberry juice sauce slowly over low heat to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh cranberries instead of frozen cranberry juice for a more intense flavor.

- Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meringue crowns and the cranberry sauce ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for a stress-free dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Nectarine Meringue Crowns on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Nectarine Meringue Crowns with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Nectarine Meringue Crowns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nectarine Meringue Crowns contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nectarine Meringue Crowns contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nectarine Meringue Crowns contains approximately 0 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Nectarine Meringue Crowns contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Nectarine Meringue Crowns are a good source of Vitamin C, providing approximately 15% of the recommended daily intake per serving.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs.

Summary

Nectarine Meringue Crowns are a delicious and light dessert that is relatively low in fats and calories. They are a good source of carbohydrates and Vitamin C.

Summary

Nectarine Meringue Crowns are a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for special occasions. With a light and airy meringue base and sweet nectarines topped with a cranberry sauce, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lillian in her cozy kitchen. As we sipped on tea and chatted about our favorite recipes, she suddenly pulled out a faded recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye.

"Mary, you simply must try this recipe for Nectarine Meringue Crowns," she exclaimed. "It's a family favorite, passed down from my grandmother, and I know you will love it too."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list and instructions, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of creating something new and delicious. The combination of sweet nectarines and fluffy meringue sounded absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Lillian noticed my enthusiasm and offered to show me how to make the recipe right then and there. Together, we gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work. She patiently guided me through each step, sharing tips and tricks that she had learned from years of experience in the kitchen.

As the aroma of baked nectarines and caramelized meringue filled the air, I knew that this recipe was truly something special. The crowns emerged from the oven golden and glistening, looking like little pieces of edible art.

We let them cool for a few minutes before taking our first bite, and oh, what a delight it was! The nectarines were tender and juicy, their natural sweetness enhanced by the delicate meringue topping. Each bite was a burst of flavor and texture, a perfect balance of fruity and creamy.

Lillian and I savored every last crumb, enjoying the fruits of our labor and the joy of creating something delicious together. As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on tea and reminiscing about old times, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it had brought to life.

From that day on, Nectarine Meringue Crowns became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this sweet and delightful dessert.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different fruits and flavor combinations. I discovered that peaches, plums, and even berries could be substituted for nectarines, each adding their own unique touch to the dish.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Nectarine Meringue Crowns remained the same - a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the simple joy of cooking. It was a reminder of the bond I shared with Lillian and the love we had for creating delicious meals together.

As I look back on that fateful day in Lillian's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the memories it holds. It is a treasure that I will always cherish, a reminder of the magic that can happen when friends come together to share their love of food and cooking.

And so, with a heart full of nostalgia and a belly full of delicious memories, I continue to make Nectarine Meringue Crowns, passing on the tradition to future generations and spreading the joy of good food and good company wherever I go.