Ernestine'S Favorite Meringue(For 2 Pies)
Light and airy meringue topping with a crisp exterior and soft interior, perfect for pies. Sweet and delicate, ideal for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add water to egg whites and beat until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until egg whites are stiff.
- Keep beating, adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch at a time until all is incorporated.
- Spread the meringue over 2 prepared pies.
- Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes or until browned as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature egg whites as they whip up fluffier. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot powder. To avoid weeping meringue, ensure no grease is present in your mixing bowl. When adding sugar, make sure it dissolves completely to achieve a glossy finish. This meringue pairs wonderfully with Coconut And Caramel Pie for a delightful dessert combo.
Serving Suggestions
This meringue is perfect for topping off your favorite pies, such as lemon or chocolate. For an elegant presentation, use a piping bag to create decorative peaks. Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. It also complements desserts like Working Girl'S Chewy Butter Cake, creating a splendid dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Meringue is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid refrigerating it, as this can cause the meringue to become soggy. If you need to reheat, place the meringue under a broiler for a minute to regain its crisp texture, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ernestine'S Favorite Meringue(For 2 Pies) contains roughly 447 calories, with 9g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
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
What can I do if my meringue isn't forming stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't achieving stiff peaks, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Additionally, make sure no egg yolk has mixed in with the whites, as fat will inhibit the egg whites from whipping up properly. Gradually adding sugar while beating can also help stabilize the mixture.
Can I make meringue ahead of time?
While meringue is best fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. However, it's important to keep it at room temperature until ready to use. If you must store it longer, consider baking it into meringue cookies, which can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container.
Why does my meringue weep?
Meringue can weep due to excess moisture or not enough sugar. To prevent this, ensure that your egg whites are whipped to a glossy finish and that sugar is fully dissolved. Baking the meringue at a high temperature for a short time can also help set the structure and prevent weeping.
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).