Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1
$5.27
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Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)
$3.74
$4.14
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C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags
$56.99
$49.98
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50 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking
$39.99
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![50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods.](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B09SNVYF9X.jpg "50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods.")
50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods.
$37.99
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Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle
$19.95
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Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 100°C (210°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean, dry bowl, beat *4 large egg whites* until they form soft peaks. Gradually add *200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar*, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously beating, until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks.
Mix in *1 teaspoon vanilla extract* for flavor. For colorful trees, gently fold in a few drops of *green food coloring* until evenly combined.
Step 2
Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe small tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and of similar size. Decorate with *edible decorations* if desired, pressing them lightly into the meringue.
Step 3
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meringues for about 90 minutes. It's important to keep the oven at a low temperature to dry out the meringues thoroughly without browning them.
Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and ensures they are crisp throughout.
Step 4
Once completely cooled, gently remove your meringue trees from the parchment paper. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
These delightful meringue trees make for a beautiful and delicious holiday treat. Serve them as part of your Christmas dessert spread or use them as edible decorations.
Servings
🍽️ Once you've crafted your delightful meringue trees, consider serving them on a festive platter adorned with edible glitter for that extra sparkle. These meringues are quite versatile and can hold center stage at any dessert table.
You can serve them as standalone treats or pair them with a rich chocolate sauce for a delightful contrast. For a more extravagant presentation, place them atop a snowy landscape made from icing sugar dusting.
🎉 How about creating a *meringue forest* with various shapes and sizes? Stack them in a tier formation and use them as a stunning centerpiece. It's sure to become a conversation starter!
Equipment
Use a clean, large stainless steel or glass bowl. Avoid plastic as it may hold grease, which can deflate your egg whites.
YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
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$35.99
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Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set
$17.53
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REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)
$26.99
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Stand mixer or powerful hand mixer is ideal for achieving stiff peaks quickly and efficiently.
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black
$279.99
$329.99
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Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria
$579.99
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Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Silver
$95.99
$119.99
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Essential for creating the beautiful tree shape. Make sure the piping bag is sturdy to withstand the pressure.
Line the tray well to prevent sticking and ease removal of the delicate meringue once baked.
Helps ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, crucial for even baking of meringue.
CHEF iQ Sense Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer with 3 Ultra-Thin Probes, Unlimited Range Bluetooth Meat Thermometer, Digital Food Thermometer for Remote Monitoring of BBQ Grill, Oven
$139.99
$219.99
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Meat Thermometer Digital Wireless, 800FT Long Range Bluetooth Cooking Thermometer, Food Thermometer for Remote Monitoring of Grill, Oven, Smoker, Air Fryer, Rotisserie, iOS & Android App
$99.99
$139.99
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Wireless Bluetooth Smart Meat Thermometer: Standalone Base, WiFi Unlimited Range, 6 Sensors with NIST Certified Accuracy, 2 Probes, for BBQ, Grill, Oven, Smoker, Rotisserie (Red)
$120.00
$149.99
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Variations
⭐️ **Gluten-Free Variation:** Good news! Meringues are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy these festive treats without any adaptations needed. Just ensure your add-ons, like decorations or sauces, are gluten-free as well.
🌱 **Vegan Variation:** Traditional meringue relies on egg whites, but you can create a vegan version using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Whip it with a pinch of cream of tartar for the best results. You may need to adjust sugar levels to ensure proper consistency, but the process remains similar.
Faq
- Why won't my egg whites form stiff peaks?
Ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Any fat will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Can I use a regular bag if I don't have a piping bag?
Yes, you can use a Ziploc bag and snip off one corner to pipe your meringue, but the shapes might not be as precise.
- What if my meringues turn out chewy?
This usually means they haven't been baked long enough or your oven was too hot. Try lowering the oven temperature and baking them for a bit longer.
- How do I store leftover meringues?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, away from humidity.
- Can I color my meringue mixture?
Absolutely! Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra liquid, which might alter the consistency.
- How can I make flavored meringues?
Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or other flavors such as almond or peppermint to the egg whites once they are frothy but before they reach stiff peaks.
