Valentine Meringue Hearts

Valentine Meringue Hearts Recipe with Strawberries and Vanilla

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Valentine Meringue Hearts are a delightful and romantic dessert perfect for celebrating love on Valentine's Day. These light and airy meringue hearts are filled with creamy ice cream and topped with fresh strawberries, making them a sweet treat to share with your loved one.

History

Meringue has been a popular dessert component for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 17th century in Europe. The technique of whipping egg whites with sugar to create a light and fluffy texture has been used in various desserts, including pavlovas, macarons, and of course, meringue cookies. The heart shape of these meringue hearts adds a special touch, making them a perfect treat for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

3 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp cream of tartar
1 dash salt
1 cup sugar
red food coloring
1 qt (946 ml) vanilla ice cream
1 pt (473 ml) strawberries, sliced

How to prepare

Cut a heart pattern from a square of paper measuring 4.5 inches.
Cover a baking sheet with clean brown paper. (You can bake on the brown paper, so ensure it is free from any writing. Grocery store bags without any writing are acceptable.)
Using the pattern as a guide, draw 6 hearts on the brown paper.
In a bowl, beat egg whites with vanilla, cream of tartar, and salt until frothy.
Gradually add sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the sugar is completely dissolved. Rub a small amount between your fingers to ensure no undissolved sugar remains.
Add a few drops of food coloring to achieve a delicate pink color.
Spread the meringue mixture over the heart shapes, making it approximately 0.25 inches thick.
Using a spoon, shape and form the meringue into heart shapes.
Using a pastry tube, pipe a rim approximately 0.75 inches high around each heart shape.
Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 1 hour.
Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to dry inside for an additional hour. Do not open the oven door during this time.
Once cooled, fill the meringues with scoops of ice cream and top with strawberries.
If desired, decorate with mint leaves.

Variations

Try using different flavors of ice cream, such as chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla.
Top the meringue hearts with different fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Gradually add the sugar while beating the egg whites to ensure it is completely dissolved.

- Use a pastry tube to pipe a rim around the heart shapes for a decorative touch.

- Allow the meringues to cool and dry in the oven to achieve a crisp exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Valentine Meringue Hearts as a romantic dessert for two, or share them with friends and family at a Valentine's Day gathering. Pair them with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for an extra special touch.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Gradually adding the sugar while beating the egg whites ensures a smooth and glossy meringue mixture.

- Allowing the meringues to cool and dry in the oven helps to achieve a crisp exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond extract or another flavoring in place of vanilla extract.

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

- Feel free to use your favorite flavor of ice cream and fruits to customize the meringue hearts to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meringue hearts in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them with ice cream and top with strawberries just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meringue hearts on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve them on heart-shaped plates for an extra festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Valentine Meringue Hearts pair well with a variety of beverages, including champagne, sparkling wine, coffee, or tea. They also go well with other romantic desserts, such as chocolate truffles or fruit tarts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meringue hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Valentine Meringue Hearts contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Valentine Meringue Hearts contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Valentine Meringue Hearts contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Valentine Meringue Hearts contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Valentine Meringue Hearts are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Valentine Meringue Hearts contain eggs and dairy (ice cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Valentine Meringue Hearts are a sweet and indulgent dessert that is moderate in calories and contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Valentine Meringue Hearts are a sweet and romantic dessert perfect for celebrating love on Valentine's Day. These light and airy meringue hearts are filled with creamy ice cream and topped with fresh strawberries, making them a delightful treat to share with your loved one. Enjoy these delicious meringue hearts as a special dessert for a romantic evening or a festive Valentine's Day gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of delicate meringue hearts caught my eye. The recipe was simple yet elegant, perfect for a special occasion like Valentine's Day.

I had always enjoyed baking, but I had never attempted anything quite like this before. The thought of creating something so beautiful and delicious filled me with excitement. I knew I had to try it.

I spent the next few days gathering all the ingredients I needed. Eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of red food coloring to give the meringue hearts a festive touch. I carefully measured out each ingredient, following the instructions in the cookbook exactly.

As I whipped the egg whites into stiff peaks, I could feel my anticipation growing. The meringue mixture transformed before my eyes, becoming glossy and smooth. I added the sugar gradually, watching as the mixture turned into a fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Once the meringue was ready, I folded in the vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring. The meringue took on a lovely pink hue, perfect for Valentine's Day. I spooned the mixture into a piping bag and carefully piped out heart shapes onto a baking sheet.

As I placed the meringue hearts into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I knew that if they turned out well, they would be a hit with my family and friends. I waited anxiously as the meringue hearts baked, the scent of sweet vanilla filling the air.

When I finally pulled the meringue hearts out of the oven, they were perfect. Crisp on the outside, with a soft, marshmallow-like interior. I couldn't wait to taste one.

I bit into a meringue heart, savoring the delicate sweetness. The meringue melted in my mouth, leaving behind a hint of vanilla. It was pure perfection.

I knew then that this recipe would become a favorite in my collection. I made the meringue hearts every Valentine's Day, sharing them with loved ones near and far. The recipe brought joy and sweetness to all who tried it.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, making adjustments here and there to suit my taste. I experimented with different flavors and decorations, creating meringue hearts that were as beautiful as they were delicious.

Each time I made the meringue hearts, I thought back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe. It had become a part of my family's tradition, a symbol of love and celebration.

And now, as I pass the recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will continue to make the Valentine Meringue Hearts with the same love and care that I did. May they bring sweetness and joy to your life, just as they have to mine.

With love,

Grandma