Date And Nut Meringues
Delicate, airy meringues filled with chopped dates and pecans offer a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for teatime or special occasions, appealing to both sweet and nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt to egg whites and beat until stiff foam forms.
- Gradually add sifted sugar and flour, beating continuously until mixture is dry and stiff.
- Fold in broken pecan meats and chopped dates.
- Add vanilla extract and mix gently.
- Drop teaspoon-sized rounds onto aluminum foil or unwaxed paper.
- Bake in a slow oven at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes.
- Turn over the foil and let the meringues cool.
- Peel off the meringues and store in a tin box.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly airy meringues, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Make sure to let the meringues cool thoroughly to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These date and nut meringues are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be crumbled over yogurt or ice cream for added texture. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a plate of Connie's Scotch Shortbread or a selection of other vegetarian recipes to create a charming dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can ruin their texture. If you want to enjoy them slightly warm, you can briefly place them in a preheated oven at the lowest setting for a few minutes, but be careful not to bake them further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date And Nut Meringues contains roughly 122 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for this recipe?
Yes, you can use powdered sugar in place of granulated sugar, but it may alter the texture slightly. Powdered sugar incorporates more smoothly and can yield a silkier meringue. Just be sure to adjust the quantity as powdered sugar is denser than granulated sugar.
What should I do if my egg whites won’t whip to stiff peaks?
If your egg whites aren't whipping to stiff peaks, make sure there is no yolk in the whites, and that your mixing bowl is clean and dry. Sometimes, adding a pinch of cream of tartar can help stabilize the egg whites and achieve the desired volume. Ensure your mixer is on high speed and be patient during the process.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute or add any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Similarly, feel free to include other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Just keep the total amount of added ingredients consistent with the recipe to maintain the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).