Today the sisters talk about meringue. There are 3 methods of making meringue; The French, The Swiss, and the Italian. Taunya will introduce all 3 methods and how to make each one. Each method has been piped and baked into a meringue cookie which we then taste and compare the different meringue. We also go over what method is used in common bakery items.

On the cafe side, Melody experiments with a Mexican twist to bruschetta using queso fresco with great results.

The sisters also give an update on the business.

You can email the sisters at [email protected]--They would LOVE to hear from you!

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Now on to the recipes!

NOTE: All meringue cookies were piped using Adeco piping tip 806, and baked at 200F degrees for 2 hours or until the cookies can easily be removed from the parchment paper.

RECIPES

Swiss Meringue Method

Ingredients

4 egg whites

1 cup of sugar

Instructions

Combine egg whites, sugar in the heatproof bowl of electric mixer, and place over saucepan. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch, 3 to 3 1/2 minutes. Test by rubbing between your fingers. Transfer bowl to stand mixer and mix with whisk attachment on high speed until stiff peaks form. Using rubber spatula, carefully scope into a prepared piping bag and pipe kisses on a parchment lined baking sheet.

French Meringue Method

Ingredients

3 egg whites

1 cup of sugar

Instructions

Begin whisking the egg whites with the whisk attachment on medium low. After 30 seconds, add 1/4 cup of the sugar, mix for another 20 seconds, then add the remaining sugar and increase to speed until stiff peaks form. Using rubber spatula, carefully scope into a prepared piping bag and pipe kisses on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Italian Meringue Method (Recommended for cookies

Ingredients

3 egg whites

1 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of water

Instructions

In a small pot, add sugar and water, cook over medium-high heat until sugar mixture begins to simmer. Now begin whisking the egg whites on high speed increase to speed until stiff peaks form. While the egg whites whip, continue to cook sugar until it reaches 240F. If any sugar sprays onto the sides of the pot, use a brush dipped in cold water to wipe down the sides. By the time the sugar is at the proper temp, the egg whites will reach stiff peaks.

With the mixer on medium-low speed, carefully and slowly add the hot sugar syrup to the egg whites. Pour the sugar down the side of the mixer bowl, allowing it to stream gradually. Once all the sugar syrup has been added, increase the speed to high and whip whites until cool, about 5 minutes. The bottom of the mixer should be luke warm to the touch.

Using rubber spatula, carefully scope into a prepared piping bag and pipe kisses on a parchment lined baking sheet.