Seafoam Drops
Seafoam Drops are airy, sweet confections with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or serving at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and hot water in a saucepan.
- Stir only until the sugar is dissolved.
- Boil without stirring until the syrup forms a hard ball in cold water.
- Pour the hot syrup slowly over slightly beaten egg whites, beating constantly.
- Continue beating until the mixture is stiff enough to hold a swirl.
- Add vanilla and nuts, if desired.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a lightly greased pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them; this helps achieve greater volume. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. Be cautious when pouring the hot syrup over the egg whites; doing it slowly is key to preventing cooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Seafoam Drops make a lovely treat on their own or can be served alongside coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with Mrs. Bess' White Fruit Cake for a dessert platter. For a festive touch, consider garnishing them with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or edible glitter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Seafoam Drops in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their texture for about a week, but for longer storage, consider freezing them. If frozen, allow to thaw at room temperature before serving, as reheating can alter their delicate texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafoam Drops contains roughly 300 calories, with 17g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% 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
Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe?
While granulated sugar is recommended for Seafoam Drops, you can experiment with superfine sugar for a smoother texture. Avoid using brown sugar, as it can alter the recipe's consistency and flavor.
What can I do if my mixture isn't stiff enough?
If your egg whites and syrup mixture isn’t reaching stiff peaks, continue beating until it thickens. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any grease, as this can affect the egg whites' ability to whip properly.
Can I add different flavors to the Seafoam Drops?
Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding extracts like almond or coconut instead of vanilla. Just be sure to use them sparingly, as they can be potent. For a chocolate twist, consider folding in cocoa powder in small amounts.
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).