Meringues with Coffee Cream and Cherries
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Makes: 6–8 large meringues
For the meringues
5 egg whites (150g)
¼ tsp cream of tartar
230g soft dark brown sugar
2 tbsp cornflour
For the coffee cream
200g mascarpone
60g caster sugar
A pinch of flaky salt
1 tbsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1–2 tbsp warm water
400ml double cream
To serve
200g tinned cherries in syrup, drained (or fresh cherries, pitted)
50g grated chocolate
Method
1. Heat the oven to 120°C (100°C fan)/gas low. Line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper.
2. In a large, clean bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric whisk on medium speed until frothy. Add half the brown sugar and whisk until thick. Add the remaining sugar and whisk on medium until very thick. Add the cornflour and beat slowly to combine.
3. Using a large metal spoon, dollop the meringue onto the lined trays, spacing them apart—you should have 6–8 meringues.
4. Bake for 1½–2 hours. To test if they’re ready, gently lift one off the paper: it should feel light and come away easily. If it sticks, bake a little longer.
5. Leave to cool completely on the trays. The meringues will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.
6. To make the coffee cream, gently beat the mascarpone with a wooden spoon. Add the sugar, salt and dissolved coffee, and mix well. Add the cream and whisk until stiff.
7. To serve, spoon the coffee cream onto the meringues, top with cherries and finish with a grating of chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Ravneet Gill and Mattie Taianos festive sharing menu recipes designed to sound like questions from real home cooks
General Planning
Q Whats the main idea behind a Ravneet and Mattiestyle festive sharing menu
A Its all about relaxed generous feasting Think bold flavors beautiful platters for everyone to dig into and recipes that are impressive but dont keep you chained to the kitchen
Q Im new to cooking big meals Are these recipes suitable for beginners
A Absolutely They often include clear stepbystep instructions and focus on achievable techniques with big rewards Start with one or two centerpiece dishes and build your confidence
Q How do I plan the timing for a whole sharing menu
A Work backwards from when you want to eat Identify what can be made a day or two ahead what needs oven time and what is lastminute assembly
Ingredients Substitutions
Q Their recipes often use interesting spices and ingredients Where can I find things like pomegranate molasses or zaatar
A Most are now in large supermarkets For more specialty items try local Middle Eastern or Asian grocers which are often cheaper or order online
Q What if I cant find a specific ingredient Are the recipes flexible
A Yes they encourage adaptability For example use honey mixed with a little lemon juice instead of pomegranate molasses or swap in dried herbs like oregano and thyme for zaatar in a pinch
Q A lot of their menus seem meatheavy Do they have good vegetarian options
A Definitely They excel at vibrant vegetable dishes Look for their recipes for whole roasted cauliflowers with spiced yoghurt mega bean stews stuffed squash or elaborate grain salads that can be the star
Cooking Techniques
Q Whats their secret to getting such flavorful crispy roast potatoes or vegetables
A Two key tips 1 Parboil your potatoes first and rough them up in the colander for fluffy edges 2 Use a preheated roasting tray with plenty of hot fat
