Delicious Meringue Tree for Festive Occasions

Start by *separating the egg whites from the yolks*. Ensure no yolk gets into the whites, as it may affect the whipping process. Place the egg whites into a mixing bowl.

Next, *begin beating the egg whites* on medium speed. After about a minute and a half, gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat. This should take roughly 3 and a half minutes. You want the mixture to become *shiny and hold a stiff peak*.

Once ready, use a piping bag without a nozzle to *pipe the meringue onto parchment paper* in desired shapes. This recipe can create delightful peaks resembling bird beaks. Preheat your oven to a low temperature.

Bake the meringues for about *1 hour at 100-120 degrees Celsius (approximately 210-250 degrees Fahrenheit)*. For larger and thicker meringues, increase the baking time to 1.5 hours. When they are done, the meringues should feel dry to the touch.

In a clean mixing bowl, *pour in the cold heavy cream*. Begin whisking the cream on medium speed for about a minute. You want to achieve soft peaks here.

While continuing to beat, *gradually add the powdered sugar and cream cheese*. Keep mixing for another minute or two until the cream reaches a thick and stable consistency. It's very important to *stop whisking as soon as the cream thickens*. Over-whipping can cause it to curdle.

To create a festive meringue tree, *stack the meringue pieces* layer by layer. Use the cream as glue between the layers to help them stick together. Don’t forget to spread some cream on the outer part of the layers as well, as this will hold your toppings.

For decoration, *top the tree with sprigs of rosemary, cranberries, or any seasonal fruits and sprinkles* for that holiday sparkle. Allow your creation to stand for an hour before serving.

And there you have it! A beautiful meringue tree that is perfect for any festive occasion. *Enjoy your delicious dessert!* 🙌🏻