Wednesday 24 July 2013

Meringue trials and tribulations

My meringue trials and tribulations all began a few months ago when a colleague and I were talking about growing soft fruit.  I am growing raspberries and blueberries in tubs and he is lucky to have a large garden so can grow raspberries in the ground.  He said he would bring in some raspberries and I rashly suggested I could make a meringue (never having made one before, you understand!) and we could have a pavlova at work. 
So, the months rolled on and last week he brought in some raspberries.  I used a Delia recipe and made my first attempt.  It turned out rather browner than I would have liked and was very squidgy in the middle.  So we had to have Eton Mess with the outer, crispier bit, but that was very tasty.
Undeterred, I looked on the internet to see what I may have done wrong and discovered that 1) I hadn't whipped the egg whites for long enough and 2) the oven temperature was too high.
Yesterday, I tried again.  I whipped the egg whites until I could put the bowl upside down over my head without them moving and I lowered the oven temperature and put the meringue on the bottom shelf.

 Here it is when baked - SUCCESS!
 Here is the finished pavlova (a perfect summer dessert) with double cream (and a bit of natural yogurt mixed in), my colleague's raspberries and icing sugar.
We all enjoyed it and I was delighted with the meringue consistency - crispy with a slightly chewy bit in the middle - YUM! (The only thing that worries me is, was that a one off, or will I be able to repeat the success when my blueberries are ripe?!)

11 comments:

  1. Mmnn that looks delicious, I love meringues and they arent too naughty even on my diet, except of course the cream!!

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    1. Dear Anne
      Thank you. It was delicious! I tried to make the cream a bit healthier by adding natural yogurt to it (well, to me it made it healthier!). I was so pleased it worked.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Of course you will, Well done it looks brillant.

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    1. Dear cookie
      Thank you. I hope I can repeat the success when my blueberries are ripe - I'll do my best to!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Wow, that looks really yummy. Where is it you live? I'll be right round to try it for you.
    Joy xx

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    1. Dear Joy
      Thank you. It was really yummy! Unfortunatley we ate it yesterday - perhaps you can sample the next one I do!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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    2. Dear Joy
      I meant 'Unfortunately' - I can spell really, honest!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. You will probably make the perfect meringue every time, now that you know how this one turned out. It looks very good, by the way.

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    1. Dear Toffeeapple
      Thank you. I would like to think I can repeat the success, but cooking always seems to have unknowns. Sometimes I can be baking something I have baked countless times, but each time it will be slightly different, depending on the flour or eggs. Still, I shall try to remain confident in my meringue-making abilities! (It was delicious!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. It looks divine to me. I always follow my mum's foolproof recipe for meringues - it never lets me down. I hope there are more successful meringues in your future! x

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    1. Dear Gillian
      Thank you. I hope to be able to repeat the success as I have two more to make soon, after people saw the photos! It did taste delicious.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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