KCC Meringue Nests

Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.  Spread the brown sugar on a non-stick baking sheet.  Place it in the oven for approximately eight minutes, remove it and let it fully cool.  

Place the dried brown sugar into a mini chopper or food processor to bring it to a dried, granulated state.

Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peeks.  Add in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in approximately an 1/8 cup of the granulated brown sugar at a time and continue to mix with the electric mixer until it has all been added and mixed thoroughly.  

On a piece of parchment paper, make approximately four – 4” circles with a permanent marker.  Flip the paper so that the ink is face down on a nonstick baking sheet; you will be able to see the lines through the paper.  Using a spoon to scoop the meringue onto the paper on the inside of the ring. Bake the meringues at 325 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes.

Turn off the oven, but open it a crack and let the meringues cool in the opened oven for an additional 35 – 40 minutes.

Just before serving, add the whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl.  Whip until it is stiff.

Fill each nest with cream and top it off with Cadbury mini chocolate filled eggs with the crisp colored shells or PICS frozen mixed berries that have been thawed.

Egg White Time Tip:  Yes, you can crack the eggs and separate the yolk from the whites.  However, then you have all of the yolks that you either toss or find another way to use.  Or, you can simplify and buy the PICS egg whites located near the regular eggs at your Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets.

Drawing the Circles:  I trace a small bowl, but you can use a ruler or protractor to create the circles as well.  Just make sure you turn the ink side down before adding the meringue.  You can make smaller circles for smaller bites if desired.

Storing Extras:  If you have additional nests and cream, store them separately.

Cooking with Kids:  Every recipe is filled with life skills that help to encourage children’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe;

• Separating eggs
• Whipping eggs
• Electric mixer safety
• Scooping
• Baking
• Oven safety
• Mini chopper or food processor safety
• Measuring ingredients
• Following directions