It always puts a smile on my face when I see Christmas themed snacks and desserts and this is where my Christmas Tree Meringues have come from. I’m not particularly great at the decoration side of baking but still wanted that smile factor. This is something all of us can make whatever your skill level. Also, Christmas can be stressful enough, let’s enjoy the baking side at least!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Meringues
2 egg whites
100g caster sugar
a few drops of green food colouring
Christmas sprinkles of your choice for decoration
200ml double cream
1 tbsp of vanilla extract (optional)
3 baking sheets, lined with baking parchment
Christmas tree cookie cutter/stencil/freehand drawing
piping bag
makes about 12 ‘sandwiches’
preheat oven 140oC
1) Once you have lined your baking sheets with parchment paper use your christmas tree shaped cookie cutter (or print off a stencil/your free hand skills!) to draw 6/8 christmas tree shapes onto each sheet of paper. Set these aside for later.
2) In a large (preferably non plastic) bowl, chuck in your two egg whites. There are many different ways you can separate your egg from your whites, but my tried and tested favourite is this: Gently crack the shell and carefully tip the yolk to and from each shell half so the whites fall into the bowl below.
3) Once done, whisk together on a low-medium speed for about 45 seconds, you will see they begin to really froth. Once frothy crank up the speed of your whisk to medium-high and continue for about 2 mins until the whites form ‘stiff peaks’. Which basically means, if you lift the whisk out of the bowl the whites should follow and hold there form/stay up. (You can do the classic bowl over head trick and if they stay in the bowl, they’re ready…if not, start again and you’ll probably need to wash your hair).
4) For the next 5-10 mins you will add the sugar to the mixture, about 1 tbsp at a time, while continually whisking. After about 3/4 mins add in your food colouring. I wanted a light-isn green so I added about 4/5 drops, but go slowly and stop when you get your desired colour. Between 6-10 mins the egg whites should look glossy and luscious, that’s when they are done and you can finally stop.
5) Now you need to make this into christmas tree shapes. Pop the mixture into the piping bag and pipe around the outline of the christmas tree, then fill in the middle. I recommend doing this as thick as possible – I ended up going over them twice (as I used a small nozzle!) Once you’ve piped it all in, use the back of a spoon to smooth it all down. Being a tree, it doesn’t really matter if it isn’t uber-smooth, so as you will/can. once you have down them all, sprinkle with whatever little decorations you desire!
6) Pop these in the oven for about 35-40 mins. When done, turn the oven off, open the oven door slightly and leave them to cool completely in the oven. Don’t rush this process, it takes a little while but you won’t be disappointed!
For The Filling
1) In a small bowl on a high speed whisk together the cream and vanilla extract, for at least 2 mins, or until it has become nice and thick.
To Assemble
1) Take one christmas tree meringue, smother with your cream and then pop another meringue onto the top and sandwich them together, like a macaroon. Repeat with them all and you’re done!
NOTE: these don’t last too long sandwiched together, the afternoon/evening, until they start to soften. Assemble as last minute as possible. However, the different components can be made well ahead.
…there you have it, Christmas Tree Meringue Sandwiches!
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