Pecan Meringue Kisses

Fiji Pecan Meringue Kisses Recipe | Egg White, Brown Sugar, Pecans

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15-20 minutes | Servings: 12-15

Introduction

Pecan Meringue Kisses are a delightful and sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. These light and airy cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients, but pack a big punch of flavor. They are perfect for serving at parties, as a snack, or even as a dessert.

History

The origins of Pecan Meringue Kisses are a bit unclear, but meringue cookies have been around for centuries. Meringue is a type of dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar, and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients. Pecans are a popular addition to meringue cookies, adding a delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Ingredients

1 egg white, at room temperature
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup chopped pecans

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Grease a cookie sheet.
In a bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the brown sugar, beating constantly, until stiff peaks form. Fold in the pecans.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the meringue onto the greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until delicately brown and firm. Allow to cool for three to five minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meringue mixture for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty twist.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. This will help them whip up to stiff peaks more easily.

- Be sure to gradually add the sugar to the egg whites while beating to ensure a smooth and glossy meringue.

- Fold in the pecans gently to avoid deflating the meringue mixture.

- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the cookie sheet before removing them to ensure they hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Meringue Kisses are perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a light dessert after a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks is key to achieving a light and airy meringue.

- Folding in the pecans gently will help maintain the airy texture of the meringue.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.

- Any type of chopped nuts can be used in place of pecans.

Make Ahead Tips

Pecan Meringue Kisses can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Pecan Meringue Kisses on a decorative platter or in a glass jar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pecan Meringue Kisses pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Pecan Meringue Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They do not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pecan Meringue Kisses contains approximately 70 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pecan Meringue Kisses contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pecan Meringue Kisses contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pecan Meringue Kisses contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pecan Meringue Kisses are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Pecan Meringue Kisses contain nuts and eggs.

Summary

Pecan Meringue Kisses are a low-calorie treat that is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats. They are a sweet indulgence that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Pecan Meringue Kisses are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a light and airy cookie that is sure to impress. Enjoy these sweet and nutty treats with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. I was at a potluck with some friends and someone had brought a plate of the most beautiful, delicate-looking cookies I had ever seen. They were small, round meringue kisses topped with a single perfect pecan, and they looked like little pieces of edible art.

I asked the woman who had made them for the recipe, and she kindly obliged. She told me that the key to making them was to beat the egg whites until they were stiff and glossy, and to fold in the sugar and pecans gently so as not to deflate the mixture. She also advised me to use a piping bag to create the perfect little kisses on the baking sheet.

I was excited to try the recipe out for myself, so I went home and gathered all the ingredients I would need. I cracked the eggs, separated the whites from the yolks, and began beating them with my trusty hand mixer. As I watched the egg whites transform from translucent liquid to fluffy peaks, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me.

Next, I carefully folded in the sugar and chopped pecans, being sure not to overmix. I filled the piping bag with the meringue mixture and began creating small, uniform dollops on the baking sheet. I topped each one with a single pecan and popped them in the oven to bake.

As they baked, the meringue kisses puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. The scent of toasted pecans filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to try one. When I finally pulled them out of the oven and let them cool, I took a bite and was instantly transported to cookie heaven. The meringue was light and crispy, with a sweet, nutty flavor that was absolutely divine.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. Over the years, I made these pecan meringue kisses for every occasion imaginable – birthdays, holidays, potlucks, you name it. And each time, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

One day, when my granddaughter asked me how I learned to make these delicious cookies, I smiled and told her the story of the potluck where I first saw them. I explained how I had been inspired by the woman who made them and how I had put my own spin on the recipe to make it my own.

I showed my granddaughter how to beat the egg whites until they were stiff and glossy, how to gently fold in the sugar and pecans, and how to pipe the meringue kisses onto the baking sheet. As she watched me work, her eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity.

After we had finished baking the cookies and let them cool, I handed one to my granddaughter and watched as she took her first bite. A look of pure joy spread across her face, and I knew that she had fallen in love with the recipe, just as I had all those years ago.

As my granddaughter grew older, she continued to make the pecan meringue kisses for her own friends and family, passing down the recipe for generations to come. And every time she made them, she remembered the story of how her grandmother had first learned to make them and smiled, knowing that the tradition would live on for years to come.