Ingredients
For the Meringue:
- 5 Egg Whites, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1 cup Superfine Sugar (Castor sugar)
- 1 recipe Lemon Curd Mousse (recipe makes additional curd for topping)
For the Fruit Salsa:
- 10 Strawberries, small dice
- 1 Orange, sectioned and chopped into small pieces
- 2 Kiwi, peeled and small diced
- Mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meringue Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat and preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place the egg whites into a stand mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Whip Egg Whites: Whisk the egg whites on medium speed until frothy, then add the cream of tartar. Increase speed to medium-high and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar: Slowly pour in the superfine sugar while beating on high until stiff peaks form; the meringue should hold its shape firmly and not slip when the whisk is turned upright.
- Pipe the Nests: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 3-inch circles on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Pipe two rings on top around the perimeter of each circle to create nest shapes.
- Bake the Meringues: Bake for about 90 minutes until the outsides are crisp but not browned and the inside slightly spongy. Turn off the oven and leave meringues inside to cool completely.
- Assemble with Lemon Curd Mousse: Remove cooled meringues from oven and place on a work surface. Fill a piping bag with lemon curd mousse and pipe into the center of each nest until just mounded above the rim. Spoon a bit of lemon curd over each mousse mound.
- Prepare Fruit Salsa: In a small bowl, mix the diced strawberries, orange pieces, and kiwi together.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the fruit salsa over each mousse-filled meringue nest. Top with a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure no yolk contaminates the egg whites as fat hinders proper whipping.
- There may be leftover lemon curd; it pairs wonderfully with scones, biscuits, toast, or enjoyed directly from the bowl.
- Best served immediately after assembly to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy.
- All components can be prepared ahead and stored separately until ready to assemble.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian