Description

Looking to add a burst of color and flavor to your dessert repertoire? Look no further than Rainbow Sherbet Meringues! These delightful treats not only dazzle the eyes with their vibrant hues but also tantalize the taste buds with their fruity flavors. Whether you’re planning a party or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these meringues are sure to steal the show.

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp lime zest
¼ tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp orange zest
¼ tsp freshly squeezed orange juice
½ tsp raspberry extract
Orange, green, and pink food coloring

Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Whip Meringues: 2. Start Beating: In a stand mixer, beat the egg whites and salt until foamy.

Add Cream of Tartar: Incorporate the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Flavor and Color: 5. Divide and Flavor: Divide the meringue evenly into three bowls. Add lime zest and lime juice to one bowl, orange zest and orange juice to another, and raspberry extract to the third. Mix well to blend the flavors.

Prepare Piping Bag: Fit a piping bag with a large round tip. Use a clean brush to paint stripes of orange, green, and pink food coloring inside the bag to create sherbet-like colors.

Pipe and Bake: 7. Fill Piping Bag: Spoon each flavored meringue into one-third of the prepared piping bag, keeping the colors separate.

Pipe Mounds: Pipe 1 ½-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Allow the meringues to cool in the oven for another 2 hours to dry out completely.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

Party Pleaser: Serve Rainbow Sherbet Meringues as a colorful and eye-catching addition to any party dessert table.
Afternoon Delight: Enjoy these meringues with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Dessert Ensemble: Pair them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Gift Idea: Package them in pretty boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Storage Instructions:

Room Temperature: Store cooled meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: If the weather is particularly humid, store the meringues in the refrigerator to maintain their crispiness.
Freezing: While meringues can be frozen, they may absorb moisture and lose their texture. If freezing, place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and consume within 1 month for the best quality.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen meringues, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Additional Tips:

Crisp Maintenance: To help maintain their crispiness, avoid storing meringues in humid environments or exposing them to moisture.
Re-Crisping: If the meringues lose their crispiness, you can briefly reheat them in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) for a few minutes to help restore their texture.
Avoid Stack: Store meringues in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shapes.
Last-Minute Prep: While these meringues can be made ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and bake them just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.