Irish Coffee Meringues Recipe Epicuriouscom

Steps:

• Make meringues:
• Put oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 500°F. Lightly oil ramekins.
• Stir together 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons espresso powder in a small bowl. Beat whites with a pinch of salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add sugar mixture a little at a time, beating, then increase speed to high and continue to beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks.
• Spoon meringue into ramekins, forming gentle swirling peaks in tops. Arrange ramekins on a baking sheet and bake until meringues are slightly puffed and a shade darker, 4 to 5 minutes (meringues will still be very soft). Transfer ramekins to a rack and cool 30 minutes, then chill at least 3 hours. (Meringues will deflate slightly and pull away from sides of ramekins.)
• Make syrup:
• Stir together 1/4 cup water and remaining tablespoon espresso powder in a small glass.
• Bring remaining 1/2 cup sugar and remaining 1/4 cup water to a boil in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved and washing down any crystals from side of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water. Boil syrup, without stirring, gently swirling pan, until mixture is a deep golden caramel. Remove from heat and carefully pour in espresso mixture (liquid will bubble and steam), then stir until well combined (if necessary, stir over low heat until caramel is dissolved). Transfer syrup to a heatproof bowl and cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
• Make topping and serve meringues:
• Just before serving, beat cream with cleaned beaters until it just holds soft peaks. Drizzle each meringue with 1 tablespoon syrup and top generously with whipped cream.
• *Available at specialty foods shops, some supermarkets, and The Baker's Catalogue (800-827-6836; bakerscatalogue.com).
• **Available at some cookware shops and Bridge Kitchenware (800-274-3435 or 212-688-4220).

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F Draw two 7-inch circles on a sheet of parchment paper.
• Place the egg whites in a spotlessly clean and dry bowl. Add the 3/4 cup confectioners sugar and whisk until the mixture stands in medium peaks.
• Sift the coffee powder with the remaining confectioners' sugar and carefully fold into the egg whites.
• Carefully spread the meringue with a palette knife onto the circles on the parchment paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until crisp.
• The disks should peel easily from the paper. Allow to cool completely.
• Add the whiskey to the whipped cream. Place into a pastry bag. Sandwich the meringue disks together with 2/3 of the flavored cream.
• Pipe 5 rosettes on the top with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with chocolate-coated coffee beans. TO SLICE: Use a sharp thin knife that has been heated by sitting in very hot water.

Steps:

• For meringues:
• Preheat oven to 250°F. Line 2 heavy baking sheets with parchment paper. Stir 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder in small bowl to blend well. Using hand-held electric mixer, beat egg whites in medium bowl until medium-stiff peaks form. Add remaining 4 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar to egg whites by tablespoonfuls and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold coffee-sugar mixture into meringue.
• Drop meringue by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly. Using knife, gently spread meringues 2 1/2- to 3-inch rounds. Bake until meringues are dry and can be easily be lifted from parchment, about 45 minutes. Transfer meringues to racks and cool completely. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.)
• For filling:
• Beat 1 cup whipping cream in medium bowl to medium-firm peaks. Add sugar, Irish whiskey and instant espresso powder and beat until firm peaks form.
• Place 1 meringue on plate, flat side down. Spoon 1 generous tablespoon of espresso cream filling over. Top with another meringue, flat side down, and press gently until filling spreads to edge. Repeat with remaining meringues and filling. (Can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.)
• Beat remaining 1/4 cup whipping cream in small bowl until firm peaks form. Spoon small dollop of cream atop each meringue. Garnish each with chocolate-covered coffee beans, if desired.

Steps:

• For meringues, in a medium bowl let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line an extra-large baking sheet with parchment paper or plain brown paper. Draw twelve 3x1-1/2-inch ovals on paper about 2 inches apart; set aside.
• Place almonds in a food processor bowl. Cover and process until finely ground, but dry (not oily); set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine sugar and espresso powder or coffee crystals. Add vanilla, cream of tartar, and salt to the egg whites. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add sugar mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating about 5 minutes on high speed or until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight) and sugar is almost dissolved. Fold in ground almonds.
• Using a spoon or spatula, spread meringue mixture over the ovals on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a 300 degree F oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven. Let meringues dry in oven with door closed for 1 hour. (do not open oven.).
• For filling, in a chilled medium bowl combine the whipping cream and the Irish cream liqueur or cold coffee. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until soft peaks form (tips curl).
• To assemble, place 1 meringue on a dessert plate, flat side down. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling over meringue. Top with another meringue, flat side down; press gently until filling spreads to edges. Repeat with remaining meringues and filling, making 6 stacks. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Cover and chill remaining whipped cream mixture.
• To serve, sift cocoa powder over meringues. If desired, garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans. Makes 6t servings.
• Make-ahead tip: If you like, prepare meringues ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.