Are you looking for a sweet treat that’s both delicious and beautiful? Look no further! Indulge in the delightful combination of Hazelnut Meringue Hearts. These delicate and light meringues are not only a delightful dessert but also make a charming centerpiece for any gathering. With a crisp outer shell and a soft, chewy center, these hazelnut-flavored meringues are a delightful treat for any occasion.
**Hazelnut Meringue Hearts**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
– Pink gel food coloring (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside for later.
2. **Whip Egg Whites:** In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add Flavor:** Gently fold in the vanilla extract and cream of tartar, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the meringue mixture.
4. **Fold in Hazelnuts:** Carefully fold in the finely chopped hazelnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the meringue mixture. For a festive touch, add a drop of pink gel food coloring and gently swirl it through the meringue for a marbled effect.
5. **Pipe the Hearts:** Transfer the hazelnut meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, starting from the center and swirling outwards to create the classic heart shape. Leave space between each meringue heart to allow for slight expansion during baking.
6. **Bake and Cool:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meringues for about 1-1.5 hours, or until they are dry and firm to the touch. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar to cool completely.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once cooled, gently remove the hazelnut meringue hearts from the parchment paper and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve these delightful treats on a decorative platter or package them in a beautiful box to gift to friends and family.
These Hazelnut Meringue Hearts are not just a delicious dessert; they are a delightful way to add a touch of sweetness to your day. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for yourself or shared with loved ones, these hazelnut meringues are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So why not whip up a batch of these charming meringue hearts and spread the love with every bite?
