Meringue mysteries
We don't, as a rule, eat puddings in our house. I keep yoghurt, fruit and perhaps some ice-cream most of the time I suppose. But when I have to test some recipes or we have friends over, puddings will have a cameo role. Harley used to really hate meringues but I recently did a recipe for some-one of meringues with Maltesers in them and he now can't get enough. I think that at this time of the year a meringuey pudding is a prudent one with such hot weather upon us we can justify one or two scoops of ice-cream and some seasonal fruits.
Meringues have a bit of a reputation, I think, in that they are often thought of as difficult. All you need is a clean bowl, a whisk - an electric one is best! - an oven, some eggs and sugar. whisk egg whites until stiff. Gradually add sugar - 50g per white - until the mix is glossy. At this point add what you like. A handful of chopped nuts, be it pistachio, hazelnut or walnut. Fold in a couple of spoons of good cocoa, swirling it into the mix. Or some chopped chocolate bars. Just have an experiment. Place the mix in large tablespoons on a tray lined with parchment then bake for an hour at 130 degrees. Leave to cool in the oven. There are many people who have different opinions on meringue making. A very well known chef once put me down in front of an audience for not putting salt in the meringue. Then in the next dem, I did it before he could ask and he then shot me down for that! Some cook for longer, some are piped. Who can tell, it's all down to personal preference- like plenty of food!
Whatever the case, serve with lashings of cream and fresh fruit. They will keep for ages in a tin but if, for any reason, they don't get eaten, put them on the bird table for the local wildlife!
Comments
e numbers.
As a rule, I don't care for buying branded icecreams for home consumption, instead I plump for Aldi's fantastic creations. They are of a practical size, use real vanilla, only seem to have the ingredients in that should be and they are reasonably priced. But in my local supermarket recently, they had 2 boxes of ice lollies for £3.00. We love a Fab every so often so I bought a box of 8 and then chose a box of Malteser choc ice style thingies. I happen to know that Maltesers contain hydrogenated vegetable fat but I thought once in a blue moon can't be terrible. We ate them. They were horrid. No flavour at all and I would not buy them again.
I actually steer away from rubbish chocolate, veering towards the better quality ones and the reason, really, is because the cheapies don't taste of chocolate, but of sugar and not much else.
Upon looking at the box the Malteser ices came in, it transpired that they not only have hydrogenated vegetable fat but also eight e numbers. I find this outrageous. There is no requirement for this level of additives. I do not know which e numbers are which, equally I have not looked them up to see which they are in the icrecream, but as a rule I buy things without any.
I feel that a company like Mars should really be more in tune with the ingredients in their products. It is a proven fact that children are better behaved when not subjected to additives. Maybe the icrecream may actually taste better without them......?
I feel a small letter to Mars may not go amiss and perhaps they may take some notice. Although do most of the general public really understand this convoluted subject? I know I dont, but that is where buying foods without additives at all is a much more savvy way to shop. Next time you go to the supermarket, give yourself a little longer and have a look at the labels. Do you really want to be giving your child something like MSG, a flavour enhancer which is the equivalent to a drug like speed. Find it in crisps and chinese food.
Enjoy having a little investigation and enjoy eating a better level of food. It will make you fell better all round.
I actually steer away from rubbish chocolate, veering towards the better quality ones and the reason, really, is because the cheapies don't taste of chocolate, but of sugar and not much else.
Upon looking at the box the Malteser ices came in, it transpired that they not only have hydrogenated vegetable fat but also eight e numbers. I find this outrageous. There is no requirement for this level of additives. I do not know which e numbers are which, equally I have not looked them up to see which they are in the icrecream, but as a rule I buy things without any.
I feel that a company like Mars should really be more in tune with the ingredients in their products. It is a proven fact that children are better behaved when not subjected to additives. Maybe the icrecream may actually taste better without them......?
I feel a small letter to Mars may not go amiss and perhaps they may take some notice. Although do most of the general public really understand this convoluted subject? I know I dont, but that is where buying foods without additives at all is a much more savvy way to shop. Next time you go to the supermarket, give yourself a little longer and have a look at the labels. Do you really want to be giving your child something like MSG, a flavour enhancer which is the equivalent to a drug like speed. Find it in crisps and chinese food.
Enjoy having a little investigation and enjoy eating a better level of food. It will make you fell better all round.