Meringue Easter Nests Food

MERINGUE NESTS

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat the egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. , Drop meringue into 8 mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape into 3-in. cups with the back of a spoon. Or place meringue mixture in pastry bag fitted with star tip. Pipe meringue onto parchment to form eight 3-in. cups., Bake at 275° for 45-50 minutes or until set and dry. Turn off oven and do not open door; leave meringues in oven for 1 hour. Fill with fruit. If desired, top with whipped cream and mint.

MERINGUE EASTER NESTS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (available at most grocery stores). In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
• 2. Then, slowly add the sugar, beating constantly until the mixture is glossy and stiff (another minute or so). Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
• 3. Now you're ready to make the meringue nests. Spoon three mounds of the mixture onto each baking sheet. Use the bowl of the spoon to shape each mound into a 4-inch-wide circle with a 2-inch-deep depression in the center. Give your nests a lived-in look by sprinkling shredded coconut over each one.
• 4. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meringues are dry and the coconut has turned golden brown. Once cool, tuck one malted candy egg or jelly bean into the nest for each child in the family. Makes 6 nests.