Crispy Earl Grey Meringues
Yield 1 dozen
3 large egg whites at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup organic cane sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon organic sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons earl grey tea powder (from about 3-4 tea bags)
procedure to make tea powder:
Cut open the tea bags and in a clean spice grinder, grind the earl grey tea leaves into a fine powder. Measure out 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons and set aside
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a handheld beater whip the egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract on high speed for about 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy. Reduce speed to medium and gradually add the organic cane sugar in a steady stream. Increase speed to high and beat on high about 3 minutes or until thick (whites should be stiff and shiny)
Sprinkle cornstarch, salt, ground tea, and grated orange zest over whipped whites , and gently fold in until incorporated. With a 1 1/2 ounce ice cream scoop , scoop 12 meringues onto a parchment lined baking tray( if you don't have a ice cream scoop, just spoon out 3 tablespoon portions). Place meringues in oven and immediately reduce heat to 300 degrees
Bake for 20 minutes, then turn tray and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Meringues shells should be hard to the touch and if not, bake an additional 3-5 minutes. Once cooled, meringues should be crispy and firm. If not, return to the oven and bake an additional 7-10 minutes. Store in a airtight container for up to 3 days.
Substitutions and additions:
- You can substitute any of your favorite flavored black teas for the earl grey
- You can add up to 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped toasted nuts or chocolate chips(these should be folded in with the tea)