Best Strawberry Meringue Recipes

FROZEN STRAWBERRY LEMON MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• Make the meringue layers:
• Line 2 buttered baking sheets with parchment paper or foil and on them trace 3 circles using the bottom of an 8 1/2-inch springform pan as a guide. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks, add the sugar gradually, beating, and beat the whites until they hold stiff glossy peaks. Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip, beginning in the middle of each parchment circle pipe the meringue in a tight spiral to fill in each circle, and smooth the tops. Bake the meringues on 2 racks in a preheated 250°F. oven, switching the baking sheets from one rack to the other every 30 minutes, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they are firm when touched and very pale golden. Remove the parchment with the meringue from the baking sheets, let the meringue cool on it, and peel off the parchment carefully. The meringue layers may be made 1 day in advance and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature. With a serrated knife trim the meringue layers so that they will just fit inside the 3 1/2-inch springform pan.
• Oil the pan, line it with plastic wrap, leaving on overhang, and arrange 1 of the meringue layers, smooth side down, in the bottom.
• Make the lemon filling
• In heavy saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the water, let it soften for 1 minute, and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved. Whisk in the lemon juice, the sugar, the egg yolks, and zest and cook the mixture over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until it registers 170°F. on a candy thermometer. Transfer the mixture to a metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir it occasionally until it is very thick but not set. In a bowl beat the cream until it holds soft peaks and fold it into the lemon mixture.
• Pour the lemon filling over the meringue layer in the springform pan, top it with 1 of the remaining meringue layers, and freeze the torte for 1 hour, or until the lemon filling is firm.
• Make the strawberry filling:
• In a heavy saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the water, let it soften for 1 minute, and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved. In a food processor or blender purée the strawberries with the preserves and the sugar, whisk the purée and the egg yolks into the gelatin mixture, and cook the mixture over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until it registers 170°F. on a candy thermometer. Transfer the mixture to a metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir it occasionally until it is very thick but not set. In a bowl beat the cream until it holds soft peaks and fold it into the strawberry mixture.
• Pour the strawberry filling over the meringue layer in the springform pan, top it with the remaining meringue layer, smooth side up, and fold the plastic wrap overhang over the top. Freeze the torte for 2 hours, or until it is frozen. The torte may be prepared up to this point 2 days in advance and dept wrapped well and frozen.
• Make the frosting:
• In a small saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the water, let it soften for 1 minute, and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved. In a bowl beat the heavy cram and the sour cream with the confectioners' sugar until the mixture just holds stiff peaks, add the gelatin mixture in a stream, beating, and beat the frosting until it holds stiff peaks.
• Remove the side of the pan and transfer the torte to a serving plate, discarding the plastic wrap. Spread a thin layer of the frosting on the top and side of the torte and freeze the torte for 10 minutes, or until the frosting is firm. Transfer the remaining frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip (such as a basket-weave tip), pipe it over the torte, and freeze the torte for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Let the torte stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving and garnish it with the strawberries.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB MERINGUE DESSERT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk together 2 cups of flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl; use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish.
• Bake crust in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
• Mix together 2 cups of sugar, 1/3 cup of flour, salt, egg yolks, and cream in a large bowl until well combined; stir in the rhubarb and strawberries. Pour the filling into the baked crust.
• Return to oven, and bake until the filling is set, 50 to 60 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, place egg whites and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl, and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the whites form soft peaks; gradually beat in 3/4 cup of sugar until the mixture forms glossy, stiff peaks; beat in the vanilla extract. Remove the dessert from the oven, and top with the meringue, swirling and lifting your spatula to make decorative peaks and swirls. Return to oven, and bake until the meringue is pale golden brown, about 15 more minutes. Cool the pie to room temperature, then chill to serve.

STRAWBERRY-CHOCOLATE MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine strawberries and 1 teaspoon sugar. In another bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Refrigerate strawberries and whipped cream, covered, until assembly., Preheat oven to 250°. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Trace two 8-in. circles 1 in. apart on paper; set aside. Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Spread evenly over circles., Bake until set and dry, 70-80 minutes. Turn off oven (do not open oven door); leave meringues in oven 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven; cool completely. , In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Spread evenly over tops of meringues. Carefully remove one meringue to a serving plate. Remove whipped cream from refrigerator; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread half of the whipped cream over the meringue; top with half of the strawberries. Repeat layers. Serve immediately.

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE ROULADE

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F.
• Line 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper (or waxed paper) extending 2 inches over ends of pan.
• Grease the parchment paper with shortening.
• Beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add 1¼ cups sugar, beating until meringue is stiff and shiny.
• Spread meringue evenly in prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until pale golden, about 8 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
• Bake until meringue is slightly firm to touch on top but soft inside, about 8 minutes longer.
• Remove baking sheet from oven.
• Run knife around pan sides to loosen meringue.
• Turn out onto sheet of parchment paper.
• Carefully peel off parchment paper.
• Cool meringue 25 minutes.
• Whip cream and vanilla in medium bowl to stiff peaks.
• Mix sliced strawberries and preserves in another medium bowl.
• Spoon the strawberry mixture over meringue, leaving 1-inch border on all sides.
• Spread whipped cream over strawberry mixture.
• Starting at one long side, gently roll up meringue jelly-roll style, enclosing filling.
• Place roulade, seam side down, on platter.
• Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
• Dust roulade with powdered sugar.
• Cut into slices.
• Transfer to plates.
• Garnish with whole strawberries, if desired.
• Serve roulade chilled.

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• In the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a saucepan of simmering water, combine egg whites and sugar. Cook, whisking constantly, until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm to the touch (about 160 degrees).
• Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg-white mixture on high speed until it holds stiff (but not dry) peaks. Continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and cooled, about 6 minutes.
• Switch to the paddle attachment. With mixer on medium-low speed, add butter several tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. (If frosting appears to separate after all the butter has been added, beat on medium-high speed until smooth again, 3 to 5 minutes more.) Beat in vanilla. Beat on lowest speed to eliminate any air bubbles, about 2 minutes. Stir in strawberry jam with a rubber spatula until frosting is smooth.

VANILLA SPONGE CAKE WITH STRAWBERRY-MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Cake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Line sides with a 5-inch-high strip of parchment; coat parchment with cooking spray.
• Whisk together flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined, 30 seconds. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, egg yolks, and milk to combine. Whisk flour mixture into butter mixture until smooth.
• Beat egg whites on medium-low speed until frothy, about 2 minutes. Add cream of tartar and vanilla and beat on medium-high until soft peaks form, 2 minutes more. Gradually add remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes. Whisk one-third of egg-white mixture into batter. Gently but thoroughly fold in remaining egg-white mixture with a rubber spatula. Transfer batter to pan; gently smooth top with spatula.
• Bake until risen and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Reduce oven to 300 degrees and continue to bake until top springs back when lightly touched, about 35 minutes more. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let cool 10 minutes. Unlock pan and carefully lift to remove. Remove parchment and turn cake out onto rack, running a sharp knife between cake and pan bottom to release. Remove bottom and turn cake top-side up; let cool completely.
• Frosting: In a food processor, puree 1 pound strawberries with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until darkened, thick, and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids to remove as much liquid as possible (you should have 1 cup). Refrigerate, covered, until room temperature, about 1 hour (or transfer to a bowl set in an ice-water bath and stir occasionally until cool to the touch, about 10 minutes).
• Combine egg whites, remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, and salt in a heatproof standmixer bowl set over (not in) a pot of simmering water, whisking constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm. (It should feel completely smooth when rubbed between your fingertips.) Transfer bowl to mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Starting on low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high, beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Continue beating until bottom of bowl is cool to the touch, about 10 minutes.
• Reduce speed to medium-low and beat in butter, a few tablespoons at a time, until combined, scraping down bowl as needed. Slowly add strawberry puree and vanilla, beating until combined. (If buttercream appears curdled, increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth.)
• Slice 1 pound strawberries lengthwise, 1/4 inch thick (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Cut cake horizontally into 3 even layers with a serrated knife. Transfer bottom layer, cut-side up, to a cake plate or stand lined with parchment strips. Spread top evenly with 3/4 cup buttercream and half of sliced strawberries, overlapping berries to fit. Spread another 3/4 cup buttercream onto one side of center cake layer and place over first cake layer, frosted-side down. Press gently to adhere, being careful not to allow strawberries to slide out. Spread top with another 3/4 cup buttercream; top evenly with remaining sliced strawberries. Spread another 3/4 cup buttercream onto cut side of top cake layer; place on center cake, frosted-side down, pressing gently to adhere.
• Using a small offset metal spatula, spread remaining buttercream evenly over top and sides of cake. To create decorative sides, hold spatula vertically against cake and press one long side gently into frosting (do not go deeper than 1/4 inch, so you don't get down to cake), then pull spatula directly upward in one motion. Repeat around entire cake, then remove parchment strips. Top cake with remaining 1 pound strawberries, cutting some in half, if desired. Dust lightly with confectioners' sugar; serve. This cake is best assembled, kept at room temperature, and served the same day, but it can be refrigerated, uncovered, up to 1 day; bring to room temperature before serving.

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE CLOUDS

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 200 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until the mixture holds soft peaks, about 1 minute. With the machine running on medium-high speed, add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is thick and holds stiff peaks, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract. Using a spatula, fold in the strawberries and lemon zest, taking care not to deflate the batter.
• Using a 1/4-cup-size ice cream scoop, scoop heaped mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake for 2 hours. Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool completely while still in the oven, about 2 hours.
• The meringues can be stored in an airtight plastic container for up to 4 days.

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE CAKE

Steps:

• Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. , In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, orange juice, egg yolks and orange zest; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans; set aside. , In a large bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, a tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form. Spread the meringue evenly over cake batter. , Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool in pans on wire racks (meringue will crack). , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Mash 1/2 cup of strawberries with remaining sugar; fold into whipped cream. , Loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife. Using two large spatulas, carefully remove one cake to a serving platter, meringue side up. Carefully spread with about two-thirds of the cream mixture. Slice the remaining berries; arrange half over cream mixture. Repeat layers. Store in the refrigerator.

FLUFFY STRAWBERRY MERINGUE PIE

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in the crackers, pecans and vanilla., Spread onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 10-in. deep-dish pie plate. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack., Set aside one strawberry for garnish. Slice half of the strawberries; set aside. In a bowl, mash the remaining strawberries; drain juice, reserving 1/2 cup. In a saucepan, combine marshmallows and reserved juice. Cook and stir over low heat until marshmallows are melted. Refrigerate until partially set., Fold the sliced and mashed strawberries and whipped topping into marshmallow mixture. Add food coloring if desired. Spoon into meringue shell. Garnish with the reserved strawberry. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set. Refrigerate leftovers.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB MERINGUE CLOUDS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 225°F. Grease 2 cookie sheets with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. On high speed, gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is almost dissolved. Spoon meringue into 8 (4- to 5-inch) rounds on cookie sheets, hollowing center slightly with back of spoon to form shells.
• Bake 1 hour. DO NOT OPEN OVEN. Turn oven off; let meringue shells stand in oven with door closed 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, mix all filling ingredients except strawberries. Cook over medium-low heat 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until filling is slightly thickened and rhubarb is soft. Stir in strawberries. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Spoon about 1/4 cup filling into each meringue shell. Store filling in refrigerator.

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE CAKE (MOSTACHON)

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch nonstick springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the sugar slowly, then the vanilla, baking powder, and salt while beating, about 2 more minutes. Turn the power off and fold in the walnuts and Maria crackers. Transfer to the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
• For the frosting: In an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form and the mixture is smooth.
• To assemble: Remove the cake from the oven. Let cool for 15 minutes. Remove the springform. Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting all over the cake. Garnish with the strawberries and serve.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB MERINGUE PIE

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, pastry flour, almonds and salt; cover and pulse until blended. Add butter; cover and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. While processing, gradually add water until dough forms a ball., Roll out pastry to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. , In a large bowl, combine the egg, sugar, flour and cinnamon; stir in rhubarb and strawberries. Transfer to prepared crust. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until filling is bubbly. Place pie on a wire rack; keep warm. Reduce heat to 350°., In a large bowl, beat egg whites and extract on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Spread over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. , Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour; refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

RHUBARB & STRAWBERRY MERINGUE POTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4/fan oven 160C. Put the rhubarb in an ovenproof dish, sprinkle over 50g/2oz of the sugar and the orange zest and stir together. Cover and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until tender. (Alternatively, you can cook the rhubarb with the sugar and zest in the microwave for 10 minutes on full power, stirring halfway through the cooking time, until just tender.)
• Remove the rhubarb from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the conserve then the egg yolks. Divide the rhubarb mixture between four 175ml/6fl oz ramekins. Put on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly thickened.
• While the rhubarb is cooking, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Sprinkle over half of the remaining sugar and whisk again. Gently fold in the rest of the sugar. Pile the meringue on top of the rhubarb to cover it completely and swirl the top. Return to the oven for 10 minutes until the meringue is puffy and golden. Serve immediately.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB MERINGUE PIE

Steps:

• Roll out the dough 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edge decoratively and prick the bottom with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Line the shell with waxed paper and fill the paper with raw rice. Bake in the lower third of the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the rice and paper carefully and brush the shell with the egg wash. Bake the shell for 15 minutes more, or until golden. Let it cool on a rack. The shell can be made 1 day ahead and stored, covered loosely, in a cool, dry place.
• In a large bowl let the rhubarb macerate with 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar for 1 hour. In a saucepan combine the rhubarb mixture with the cinnamon and cloves and bring to a bowl. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is almost tender. Add the strawberries and simmer, stirring, until the rhubarb is tender.
• In a small bowl combine the cornstarch and the liqueur and add to the rhubarb mixture, stirring. Cook over moderately low heat until thickened. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool. Chill, covered, overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt and beat until the whites hold soft peaks. Beat in the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar, a little at a time, and beat until the whites hold stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla and transfer 1/3 of the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip.
• Spoon the filling into the shell and spread the remaining meringue over it, smoothing the top. With the tip of a small knife, score the top, forming a latticework pattern. With the pastry bag, pip meringue over the top of the pie, following the lattice design.
• Sift the confectioners? sugar over the pie and bake it on a baking sheet in the middle of the oven to 10 minutes. Put the pie under a preheated broiler about 4 inches from the heat until golden.
• In a bowl, blend the flour, butter, shortening, and salt until the mixture resembles meal. Add the water, tossing with a fork and adding more water if necessary to form a soft by not sticky dough. Form the dough into a ball, dust it with flour, and chill, wrapped in wax paper, for 1 hour. The dough can be made 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated, wrapped in plastic wrap. It can be frozen for 1 month, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil.
• Yield: dough for 1 single-crust 9-inch pie.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE MERINGUE NESTS RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Spread ¾ cup (150 G) of sugar on the baking sheet, then bake for 7 minutes to warm. Remove the sugar from the oven and leave the oven on.
• In a large clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric hand mixer on low speed until foamy, then add the salt. While beating, add the warm sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, gradually increasing the mixer speed, until thick and shiny peaks form, 5-7 minutes. Add the vanilla and fold in until just incorporated.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Heap 10 equal scoops of meringue onto the baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch (2 ½ cm) apart. Use the back of a spoon to create a divot in the center of each mound.
• Bake for about 90 minutes, until the meringues lift cleanly off the parchment. Once done, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool in the oven for 2 hours, up to overnight. When removed from the oven, the meringues should sound hollow when tapped.
• Meanwhile, make the strawberry puree: In a small saucepan, combine the thinly sliced strawberries, ¼ cup (50 G) sugar, and the lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate, until some of the juices have released.
• Transfer the pan to the stove and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, until the strawberries have slightly softened but are still vibrant red. Remove from heat and push through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• To serve, heap ¼ cup (60 ml) whipped cream onto each meringue nest. Top with 1 heaping tablespoon pound cake cubes and 2 tablespoons quartered strawberries. Drizzle each with 2 tablespoons strawberry puree.
• Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE ROULADE

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Line 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking sheet with waxed paper, extending 2 inches over ends of pan. Butter waxed paper. Beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar, beating until meringue is stiff and shiny.
• Spread meringue evenly in prepared baking sheet. Bake until pale golden, about 8 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Bake until meringue is slightly firm to touch on top but soft inside, about 8 minutes longer. Remove baking sheet from oven. Run knife around pan sides to loosen meringue. Turn out onto sheet of waxed paper. Carefully peel off waxed paper. Cool meringue 25 minutes.
• Whip cream and vanilla in medium bowl to stiff peaks. Mix sliced strawberries and preserves in another medium bowl. Spoon strawberry mixture over meringue, leaving 1-inch border on all sides. Spread whipped cream over strawberry mixture. Starting at 1 long side, gently roll up meringue jelly-roll style, enclosing filling. Place roulade, seam side down, on platter. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
• Dust roulade with powdered sugar. Cut into slices. Transfer to plates. Garnish with whole strawberries, if desired. Serve roulade chilled.

LEMON MERINGUE CAKE WITH STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour square pan, 9x9x2 inches. Beat all ingredients except Meringue and Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat on high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
• Bake 17 to 21 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Increase oven temperature to 400°. Make meringue. Spread over cake, sealing meringue to edge of pan.
• Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until meringue is light brown; cool. Serve with Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce.
• Meringue: Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not underbeat. Beat in vanilla.
• Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce: Heat rhubarb and sugar to boiling in 1-quart saucepan; reduce heat. Mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water; stir into rhubarb mixture. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb is tender. Cool sauce. Stir in strawberries.

MERINGUE KISSES (ALMOND/ORANGE/STRAWBERRY/MINT/COCOA VARIATIONS)

Steps:

• Preheat over to 225 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with cornstarch and reserve. In a medium bowl, with electric mixer on high speed beat together egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 1/2 cup sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Reduce mixer speed to medium and gradually beat in reserved sugar-cornstarch mixture until incorporated. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Increase mixer speed to high and beat for five minutes, scraping down sides of bowl several times, until stiff and glossy peaks form. If using a pastry bag, fill with mixutre otherwise drop little rounded mounds of meringue with a tablespoon spacing 1/2 inch apart.
• For crisp meringues, bake in preheated oven until firm to the touch and crisp throughout, about 1 1/2 hours, turning baking sheet once from front to back halfway through baking. For chewier meringues, bake about 1 1/4 hours, rotating sheet once halfway through baking.
• Cool meringues slightly on baking sheet on wire rack. Transfer meringues to wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• ORANGE KISSES:.
• Follow directions, substituting one teaspoon orange extract for vanilla and almond extracts and adding 12 drops orange food coloring.
• STRAWBERRY KISSES:.
• Follow directions, substituting 1 1/2 teaspoons strawberry extract for vanilla and almond extracts and adding 12 drops red food coloring.
• MINT KISSES:.
• Follow directions, substituting 1/4 teaspoon mint extract for vanilla and almond extract and adding 12 drops green food coloring.
• COCOA KISSES:.
• Follow directions, substituting 1 1/2 teaspoon chocolate extract for vanilla and almond extracts. After beating egg white mixture, sift 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder over mixture and fold it gently in until thoroughly blended.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB CUSTARD MERINGUE PIE

Steps:

• 1. FILLING: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the diced rhubarb, sliced strawberries, sugar, salt, flour, butter, and lemon juice or lemon oil. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes; the fruit will release its juice, and it'll be easier to cook.
• 2. Separate the eggs, reserving the whites. Cook the fruit mixture over low heat for several minutes, until the butter is melted and the mixture thins out. Stir in the cream, if you're using it. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light. Add a bit of the hot fruit to the yolks, stir well, then add the yolk mixture to the cooking fruit. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
• 3. CRUST: Place the pie crust dough on a well-floured surface, and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Place it in a 9-inch pie pan, preferably one with sides at least 1 1/2 inches high. Crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with the tines of a fork. Place a second pie pan, pie weights or foil over the crust. Bake the crust in a preheated 400° oven for 18 minutes; it won't be browned, but it should look set. Remove it from the oven, and cool slightly before removing the top pan, weights or foil. Baking: Pour the filling into the partially baked crust. Reduce the oven heat to 350°F and bake the pie for 20 minutes.
• 4. MERINGUE TOPPING: While the pie is baking, place the the reserved egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium-sized bowl, and beat them till they're foamy. Add the sugar a bit at a time, beating until the meringue is shiny and holds a peak. Place the water and cornstarch in a tiny saucepan or a microwave-safe container, and stir well. Over medium-low heat, or in the microwave, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently; it should thicken and look cloudy. If you're using a microwave, stir every 30 seconds or so, to prevent a thick layer from forming on the bottom. Beat the gel mixture into the meringue. Remove the pie from the oven and spoon the meringue over the filling while the filling is still hot, making sure that the meringue makes contact with the crust all around the edges. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 16 to 18 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE NESTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees with rack in lower third. Coat two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; line with parchment paper.
• With an electric mixer, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Very gradually beat in sugar, adding 1 tablespoon at a time; beat until stiff and glossy.
• Drop 8 mounds of meringue onto prepared baking sheets; twirl a teaspoon in the center of each to spread to a diameter of 4 inches and create a nest. Bake until dry but still white, about 1 1/2 hours, rotating baking sheets halfway through; let cool on sheets.
• Use a small paring knife to hull and quarter strawberries. In a bowl, toss strawberries with sugar; let stand, at least 30 minutes. Spoon into nests.