Red Berry Meringues

Here is the recipe for delicious red berry meringues, with an Italian touch that could be the use of fresh red fruits typical of Italian regions such as wild strawberries or raspberries.

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites at room temperature
• 220 g granulated sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Fresh red berries (for example, wild strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for decorating)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 90-100 °C.
2. Thoroughly clean the red berries and set them aside.
3. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy.
4. Add the lemon juice and continue whipping.
5. Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, continuing to whip until you obtain a glossy and stiff mixture.
6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Use a piping bag to arrange the meringue mixture on the tray. You can make small mounds or the shape you prefer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and come off easily from the paper.
9. Turn off the oven and let the meringues dry inside with the door closed for another hour.
10. Once cooled, decorate the meringues with fresh red berries and, if desired, a dusting of powdered sugar.

Trivia

Meringue is a very versatile dessert that can be adapted in many ways. To give it a more Italian touch, you could also consider accompanying the meringues with a homemade red berry sauce, perhaps with a Chianti reduction to intensify the flavor and add an unexpected “winey” touch.