COCOA MERINGUE BASKETS WITH NECTARINES, BERRIES, AND CREAM

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Cocoa Meringue Baskets with Nectarines, Berries, and Cream image

Categories     Milk/Cream     Berry     Chocolate     Egg     Fruit     Dessert     Nectarine     Summer     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups plus 6 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 large egg whites
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (scant) cream of tartar
4 nectarines, pitted, thinly sliced, slices halved crosswise
2 tablespoons crème de cassis (black currant-flavored liqueur)
1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
1 1/2-pint basket fresh raspberries
1 1/2-pint basket fresh blackberries
Powdered sugar
Fresh mint sprigs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 200°F. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using 3 1/4- to 3 1/2-inch-diameter biscuit cutter or bowl as guide, heavily trace 9 circles on each of 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. On third parchment-lined baking sheet and using same guide, trace 10 semicircles. Turn parchment paper over so that marked side is down (circles and semicircles will show through).
  • Whisk 1 1/2 cups sugar and cocoa powder in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and cream of tartar in large bowl until soft peaks form, about 1 1/2 minutes. Gradually add sugar-cocoa mixture and beat until very stiff and glossy, about 4 minutes.
  • Cut off 1/3 to 1/2 inch from 1 corner of 1-gallon resealable plastic bag. Scoop enough meringue into bag to fill 3/4 full. Twist bag shut above meringue and hold firmly closed while piping. Pipe small dot of meringue under parchment in each corner of baking sheets. Press parchment onto dots to anchor. To form basket bottoms: Starting in center of each marked circle on 1 baking sheet, pipe meringue in continuous spiral to fill circles completely. Pipe 12 marble-size balls atop edge of each circle. To form basket sides: On second baking sheet, pipe meringue atop edge of traced circles to form rings. Pipe 12 marble-size meringue balls atop each ring, spacing about 1/3 to 1/2 inch apart. To form basket handles: On third sheet, pipe meringue atop outline of semicircles.
  • Bake meringues until firm and dry to touch, about 2 hours. Turn off oven; let meringues stand in closed oven overnight to dry completely. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight in single layer at room temperature.)
  • Toss nectarine slices with crème de cassis in medium bowl. Beat whipping cream, remaining 6 tablespoons sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla in large bowl until peaks form.
  • Place 1 meringue bottom on each of 8 plates. Place 1 meringue side atop each bottom. Spoon dollop of whipped cream into center of each basket. Top with spoonful of nectarine slices, then a few raspberries and blackberries. Repeat with another layer of cream, nectarines, and berries. Dip ends of 1 meringue handle into whipped cream and attach to 1 basket; repeat with remaining handles. Sift powdered sugar over baskets. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve.

Piara Pinx
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Don't bother with this recipe. It's not worth your time or money.


Syed Muneeb Khan
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These baskets are a waste of time and ingredients. They're not worth the effort.


phumlani dlamini
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I wouldn't recommend this recipe to a beginner. It's a bit too complicated, and there's a lot of room for error.


Yorrichiii
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Overall, I thought this recipe was just okay. The meringue was a bit too dry for my taste, and the filling was a bit too sweet.


Layla Erie
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I had some trouble getting the meringue to stiffen, but other than that, this recipe was easy to follow. The baskets turned out great, and they were a big hit at my party.


Simphiwe Mhlongo
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These baskets are a bit too sweet for my taste, but they're still very good. I think they would be perfect for a special occasion.


Nia Jimenez
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I'm not a fan of nectarines, but I still enjoyed these baskets. The meringue and cream were so good that I didn't even miss the fruit.


Amjad Quraishi
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I made these baskets for my husband's birthday, and he loved them! He said they were the best dessert he'd ever had.


Jamshid Afghan
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These baskets are beautiful and delicious! I love the combination of flavors and textures.


yeeus cleeus
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I've made these baskets several times now, and they're always a crowd-pleaser. They're the perfect dessert for any occasion.


Esther Kamara
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These baskets are a bit time-consuming to make, but they're definitely worth the effort. They're sure to impress your guests!


JR SURJO
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I'm not a huge fan of meringue, but I really enjoyed these baskets. The meringue was light and crispy, and the filling was creamy and flavorful.


Chop Kid
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I made these baskets for a baby shower, and they were a huge hit! The guests loved the unique presentation and the delicious flavor.


Sharjeel malik Sharjeel malik
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These baskets are perfect for a special occasion, but they're also easy enough to make for a weeknight dessert.


Md Rana khan
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The cocoa powder in the meringue adds a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit and cream.


Diwakar Chand
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I used fresh peaches and blueberries in my baskets, and they were delicious. I can't wait to try other fruit combinations next time.


harjinder shergill
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These baskets are so beautiful, they almost look too good to eat! But once you take a bite, you'll be glad you did.


N1MX STICK OUT
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I've never made meringue before, but this recipe was surprisingly easy to follow. The baskets turned out perfectly, and they held up well when filled with fruit and cream.


Liam Marajh
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These cocoa meringue baskets were a hit at my dinner party! The combination of the sweet and crispy meringue, juicy nectarines, tart berries, and creamy filling was absolutely divine. Everyone raved about them, and they were gone in no time!