Best Bites: Delicious Meringues for Mother's Day
By Donna Erickson
Serve Berry Delicious Meringues for Mother's Day
I am always looking for a way to showcase the bright colors and naturally sweet tastes of fresh berries. Sliced, whole, or mixed together with a light sauce, they make a quick dessert option when piled high over a scoop of ice cream or a slice of angel food cake.
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
And for a dependable showstopper, nothing beats topping serving-sized crackly, meringue shells with berries, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprig of fresh mint from the garden. They look fancy, but they are easy to make, especially when your school-aged kids lend a hand.
Put these "Berry Delicious Meringues" on your Mother's Day menu this year for a memorable celebration! First, make the meringue shells ahead of time.
BERRY DELICIOUS MERINGUES
8-10 servings
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup of sugar
Preheat oven to 275 F. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy and foamy with an electric mixer set at low speed. Add the cream of tartar. Increase speed until soft peaks form. Let one of your kids begin adding the sugar slowly, a tablespoon at a time. You'll be amazed to see how dramatically the mixture expands and changes. Once all the sugar is added, keep beating until glossy, stiff peaks form.
Use an ice-cream scoop or large spoon to drop 1/3 cupfuls of the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. With the back of a spoon or with wet fingers, spread each portion out into 3-1/2-inch circles, building up the sides slightly. You may space them quite close together since they won't rise.
Bake 1 hour. Turn off the oven and leave meringues in the oven with the door closed for an additional 1 1/2 hours. Remove and cool.
To serve, fill with your favorite whole and sliced berries, then top with whipped cream and a sprig of mint or a whole strawberry -- stem and all.
Extra Tip: Is Mom a chocoholic? Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top! Or get fancy like restaurants and make a few simple dots or swirls directly on the plate around the meringue.
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Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2025 Donna Erickson
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