Meringue kisses

These meringue kisses are easy to make and pretty as a picture! They will elevate any dessert into something that little bit special. Sit them on top of tarts, sprinkle them over ice cream or as I’ve chosen to do, use them in a take on Eton mess. They can also double up as hats for fairies or very small animals!

Serves: Makes 70

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

  • 300g white caster sugar
  • 150g egg whites
  • Food colouring (any colours)
  • Piping bags
  • Small paint brush

Meringue kisses

These meringue kisses are easy to make and pretty as a picture! They will elevate any dessert into something that little bit special. Sit them on top of tarts, sprinkle them over ice cream or as I’ve chosen to do, use them in a take on Eton mess. They can also double up as hats for fairies or very small animals!

Method

eggs

  1. First you need to prepare the sugar. Line a baking tray with baking paper, pour the sugar on top, making sure it’s evenly distributed then pop in a pre-heated oven at 200℃ (fan) for 5 mins until the edges are just starting to melt.
  2. While the sugar is heating put the egg whites into a stand mixer with balloon whisk (or use a hand whisk) and whisk on slow until you see bubbles start to form. At this point you can turn the setting up to high and continue whisking until stiff peaks form. You should be able to turn the bowl upside down without anything falling out.
  3. Remove the sugar from the oven after 5 mins and reduce the temperature to 80℃ (fan). Once your whites have reached the stiff peak stage start adding the sugar one spoonful at a time, keeping the whisk going at high speed throughout. Add the next spoon of sugar only after the first spoon has been completely incorporated.
  4. Once all the sugar has been added continue to whisk for a further 5 – 7 minutes. You will know it’s ready when your mix has turned beautifully glossy and you can rub the mix between your finger and thumb without feeling and sugar granules. Next comes the fun bit!
  5. To make colourful stripes down the kisses first turn a disposable piping bag inside out. I like to sit mine over a wine bottle or the equivalent, so you have a base on which to paint the inside of the bag.
  6. Next paint on 5 thick strips of food colouring down the bag from top to half way down. Don’t worry if your stripes don’t start right at the tip as the end will be snipped off for piping. You can choose any colours you like, or do a rainbow effect… it’s up to you!
  7. Snip off the tip of the piping bag (you want about an inch diameter) and pipe the kisses on to a baking tray lined with baking paper.
  8. Place in the oven which is now pre-heated to 80℃ (fan) and cook for 40 – 50 mins until the kisses come away easily from the paper. Enjoy.