Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature (approx. 90g / 3 oz)
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar (0.5g / 0.01 oz)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g / 5.3 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml / 0.17 fl oz)
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar (2.5ml / 0.08 fl oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled (240ml / 8 fl oz)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted (15g / 0.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml / 0.17 fl oz)
- Assorted fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), for topping (approx. 1-2 cups)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and smooth. The sugar should be completely dissolved.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract and white vinegar.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a spoon). Pipe or spoon 12 equal-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Use the back of a spoon to create a shallow indentation in the center of each meringue. This will hold the cream and berries.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the meringues are crisp on the outside and easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for at least an hour (or preferably overnight). This helps prevent cracking.
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat.
- Just before serving, spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the center of each meringue. Top with fresh berries. Serve immediately for the best texture.