Farofias Poached Meringues In Lemon Custard With Cinnamon Food

LEMON CUSTARD IN MERINGUE CUPS

Steps:

• For meringue, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites, vinegar, vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. , Line baking sheet with parchment. Spoon egg white mixture into 8 mounds on paper. Shape into cups with a spoon. , Bake at 300° for 35 minutes. Turn oven off and leave door closed; let shells dry in oven at least 1 hour. Remove shells from paper. When thoroughly cooled, store in an airtight container. , For custard, in a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and remaining sugar and salt. Stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat., Beat egg yolks. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; gently stir in the lemon juice, zest and butter. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Chill. , Just before serving, fill meringue shells with custard and top with whipped cream.

FAROFIAS (POACHED MERINGUES IN LEMON CUSTARD WITH CINNAMON)

Steps:

• In a deep 10- or 11-inch skillet set over moderately low heat, bring 3 cups of the milk and the lemon zest to a simmer; remove from the heat and let steep 5 minutes. Strain the milk and return to the skillet.
• Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, then add 1/2 cup of the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating all the while; continue until stiff glossy peaks form.
• Return the milk to low heat and when steam rises from the surface, drop meringue in by rounded tablespoons. (To keep meringue from sticking, dip the spoon often in hot water).
• Poach the meringues about 2 minutes in the milk, turn and poach the other side 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, carefully transfer them to a large wet plate and reserve.
• As soon as all meringues are poached, strain the milk into a medium-size heavy saucepan and mix in the remaining sugar. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup milk with the cornstarch, whisk a little of the hot milk into this mixture, then blend into the pan and cook, stirring constantly, over moderately low heat 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Beat the egg yolks lightly, whisk in a little of the hot sauce, stir back into pan and cook, stirring constantly, over low heat 2 to 3 minutes until no raw egg taste remains (do not boil or the mixture may curdle).
• Pour the hot custard into a large shallow heatproof bowl, cool 10 minutes, then float the meringues on top.
• Serve warm or well chilled, dusting the meringues with cinnamon at the last minute.

MERINGUE SHELLS WITH LEMON CURD

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 225°. Add vinegar, vanilla, salt and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form., Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a food-safe plastic bag; insert a large star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe meringue into twelve 3-in. round disks, building up the sides with meringue to form shells. Bake 45-50 minutes or until set and dry. Turn off oven (do not open door); leave meringues in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheet. , Meanwhile, in a small heavy saucepan, mix sugar and potato starch. Whisk in water and 1/2 cup lemon juice until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer., Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Gently stir in lemon zest and remaining lemon juice. Transfer to a small bowl; cool without stirring. Refrigerate, covered, until cold., Spoon curd into meringue shells. If desired, top with whipped topping and berries.

FAROFA

Steps:

• Mash the garlic and a few pinches of salt with the side of your knife until pasty. Place bacon in large skillet over medium heat, and let it cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until fully rendered and lightly browned. Add a splash of vegetable oil if there isn't enough fat to generously coat the pan.
• Turn heat down to medium-low, and cook garlic until very aromatic. Add manioc flour, and cook, stirring and shaking the pan continuously, until it's a shade toastier and a little crunchy, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn off heat, and stir in butter. Add salt to taste. Let guests sprinkle or pile it onto their plates, to their taste.