French Meringue

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 4 egg whites (120g)
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml)
• Food coloring (optional)

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1-2 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy.
4. Gradually add sugar and cream of tartar while whisking until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold in vanilla extract and food coloring if desired.
6. Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
7. Pipe the meringue into desired shapes on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 1-2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp to the touch.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 100 per meringue
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

Dish Characteristics:

• Light and airy
• Crispy exterior and chewy interior
• Can be customized with various flavors and shapes

User Comments:

• "These meringues are so delicious! They're light as a feather and the vanilla flavor is perfect."
• "I love the versatility of this recipe. I've made them plain, with chocolate, and even with fruit puree."
• "These were a huge hit at my party. They disappeared faster than I expected!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the bowl and utensils used are clean and grease-free.
• Do not overbeat the egg whites, as they will become grainy.
• If the meringues start to brown in the oven, reduce the temperature and continue baking.
• Store meringues in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming soggy.