There’s something magical about meringue. The way it transforms from a humble mixture of egg whites and sugar into airy, ethereal clouds that melt on your tongue is nothing short of a culinary miracle. Recently, I had a breakthrough moment using my new stand mixer, which whipped the egg whites to perfection in record time. Inspired by this, I decided to elevate the classic meringue by infusing it with vibrant citrus flavors and a stunning drizzle to create a dessert that’s as visually captivating as it is delicious.
### Ingredients:
**For the Meringue Kisses:**
– 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– Pinch of salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– Optional: Food coloring (gel-based for best results)
**For the Citrus Drizzle:**
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
### Instructions:
Prepare your workspace and gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Start by ensuring your mixing bowl is perfectly clean and free from grease. This is crucial for achieving the best meringue. If you have a silicone spatula, use it to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt. Begin to whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. This can take about 3-5 minutes.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip on medium-high speed. This process helps to create a stable meringue. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to high and whip until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form. This should take another 5-7 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest, and gently fold them into the meringue using a spatula. If you desire colored meringues, incorporate a few drops of gel food coloring at this stage, swirling it gently for a marbled effect.
Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small meringue kisses onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and lift off the parchment easily. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. This helps prevent cracking.
While the meringues cool, prepare the citrus drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin or a bit more juice if it’s too thick.
Once the meringues are completely cool, drizzle the citrus glaze over them using a spoon or a squeeze bottle for a more controlled application.
Let the drizzle set for about 30 minutes before serving. These meringue kisses are perfect for a light dessert or as an elegant addition to any gathering.
Enjoy the lightness of the meringue combined with the refreshing citrus notes. Each bite is a delightful cloud that dances on your palate, taking you straight to Cloud 9!