How Do You Know When The Meringues Are Done
- Exterior Texture: The outside should be crisp and rigid with a light tap. It should not be sticky, soft, or rubbery.
- Color: Meringues should be a uniform pale white or ivory. They should not take on any hints of brown, which indicates overbaking. Avoid speckles of darker brown spots.
- Internal Texture: When you break open a meringue, the interior should still be light, soft, and marshmallow-like. It should not be dry or form cracks.
- Hollow Sound: Tap the bottom of the meringue gently. A light hollow sound indicates it has dried out properly inside. A flat, dense sound means it needs more baking time.
- Detachment from Parchment: Properly baked meringues should easily detach from the parchment paper without sticking. They should not leave behind a sticky residue.
- Oven Spring: Look for meringues that have risen in volume and appear puffed up. Sunken, flat meringues need more baking time.
- Aroma: Take a whiff inside the oven. The meringues should smell sweet, not overly eggy or burnt.
- Bake Time: Cook time can vary based on size, but individual meringues take 1-1.5 hours at low heat. Larger meringues may take 1.5-2 hours.
- Oven Door: Avoid frequent peeking, which can cause the delicate meringues to fall. Opening the oven door should be minimized.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Meringue?
You can serve Mary Berry’s meringue with various fillings and toppings, such as:- Whipped cream and fresh fruits, such as berries, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves, as Mary Berry does. This is a classic and refreshing combination that works well for summer parties and picnics.
- Lemon curd and toasted almonds, for a tangy and crunchy contrast. This is a great option for lemon lovers and those who want a more zesty flavor.
- Chocolate ganache and chopped nuts, for a rich and decadent treat. This is a perfect choice for chocolate lovers and those who want a more indulgent dessert.
- Caramel sauce and sea salt flakes, for a sweet and salty balance. This is a delicious alternative for caramel fans and those who like a more complex flavor.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Meringue
- Make sure your bowl and whisk are clean and dry, and there is no trace of yolk or grease in the egg whites, as this will prevent them from whisking properly.
- Whisk the egg whites on high speed until they form stiff peaks, which means that when you lift the whisk, the egg whites will stand up and not droop. This will ensure that the meringues are firm and hold their shape.
- Gradually add the sugar, one teaspoon at a time, while continuing to whisk on high speed. This will help the sugar dissolve and create a glossy and smooth mixture. You can test this by rubbing a little bit of the mixture between your fingers; it should feel smooth and not gritty.
- To make the meringue more stable, you can also add a teaspoon of white wine vinegar and a teaspoon of cornflour, as Mary Berry does in her pavlova recipe. This will help the meringue retain its moisture and prevent it from cracking or collapsing.
- Do not open the oven door while baking, as this can cause the meringue to crack or collapse. Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely, preferably overnight. This will help the meringue dry out and prevent it from sticking to the paper.
Variations of Mary Berry Meringue
You can also try some variations of Mary Berry’s meringue recipe, such as:- Add some vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract to the meringue mixture for some extra flavor.
- Adding some food coloring or sprinkles to the meringue mixture for some fun and festive colors.
- Making smaller individual meringues instead of a large ring, and sandwiching them with your favorite filling. You can also make different shapes, such as hearts, stars, or letters, using a piping bag and a nozzle.
- Making a pavlova instead of a meringue, by spreading the meringue mixture into a round or oval shape, and baking it for a shorter time. This will create a softer and more cake-like texture, which you can top with whipped cream and fruits.
How do I store Mary Berry Meringue Leftovers?
Storing Unfilled Meringues
- Optimal Storage Conditions: Place unfilled meringues in an airtight container to protect them from humidity and external odors.
- Room Temperature Is Key: Keep the container at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Duration: Unfilled meringues can be stored like this for up to a week while retaining their crispness.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate unfilled meringues, as the moisture in the fridge can make them become soggy and lose their texture.
Storing Filled Meringues
- Refrigeration for Filled Meringues: If the meringues are filled with cream or fruit, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: Filled meringues can be kept for up to two days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Be aware that filled meringues may soften over time due to the moisture from the filling.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Meringue's Leftovers?
- Generally Best Served Without Reheating: Meringues are typically enjoyed at room temperature or cold, as reheating can alter their texture.
- Slight Warming Method: If you prefer your meringues slightly warm, place them in an oven preheated to about 100°C.
- Monitoring Reheating Time: Keep them in the oven for just a few minutes—long enough to warm them without drying them out.
- Caution Against Overheating: Be careful not to overheat the meringues. Overheating can cause them to become dry, brittle, and lose their delicate texture.
- Alternative Warming Method: As an alternative, you can warm them in a microwave at a very low setting for a few seconds. However, this method requires careful monitoring to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Final Words
Mary Berry's simple meringue recipe uses just egg whites and sugar to create light and airy meringues with a crisp exterior and soft, marshmallowy interior. Follow her tips for whisking, baking, cooling, and filling the meringues to make this versatile dessert that can be customized into shapes and sizes. The result is gorgeous, decadent meringues perfect for any occasion.