The French influence is pervasive and strong in New Orleans and permeates all aspects of life including the food. One of my favorite things to eat while visiting the Crescent City is Coconut Meringues. Eating a coconut meringue is the closest you can come to heaven melting on your tongue. This delicate yet complex treat is hard to describe. Somehow it tastes buttery, flakey, and smells like the tropics. I especially love to order them from one of my favorite New Orleans Café, Café D’Or. This French style bakery comes with all the charms you would expect.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
• ¼ t. cream of tartar
• Dash of salt
• 3 large egg whites (set out at room temperature)
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ t. vanilla extract
• ¼ t. coconut extract
• ½ flaked sweetened coconut
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees
2. Combine cream of tartar, salt, and egg whites and mix on medium peek until a soft peak forms.
3. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time while beating on high speed until a hard peek forms.
4. Add extracts and beat until blended. Be careful to not overbeat.
5. Fold in the coconut.
6. Drop on a greased baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 30 minutes and turn the baking sheet around and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Let cool for 25 minutes.
danyadarling 