MERINGUE SHELLS WITH LEMON CURD

Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd image

We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It's sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. -Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

6 large egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1-1/2 cups sugar
LEMON CURD:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons potato starch
1 cup water
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, divided
3 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Whipped topping and fresh berries, optional

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 225°. Add vinegar, vanilla, salt and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form., Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a food-safe plastic bag; insert a large star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe meringue into twelve 3-in. round disks, building up the sides with meringue to form shells. Bake 45-50 minutes or until set and dry. Turn off oven (do not open door); leave meringues in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheet. , Meanwhile, in a small heavy saucepan, mix sugar and potato starch. Whisk in water and 1/2 cup lemon juice until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer., Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Gently stir in lemon zest and remaining lemon juice. Transfer to a small bowl; cool without stirring. Refrigerate, covered, until cold., Spoon curd into meringue shells. If desired, top with whipped topping and berries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 77mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.