STRAWBERRY MERINGUE DESSERTS

Strawberry Meringue Desserts image

When time is short, use thawed whipped topping instead of making sweetened whipped cream. -Susan Maraffa, North Lima, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 teaspoons shortening
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
5 cups fresh strawberries
Chocolate syrup

Steps:

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Draw twenty-four 4x2-1/2-in. rectangles on the paper; set aside. , For meringue, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites, 1 teaspoon vanilla, cream of tartar and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. , Insert a #12 round pastry tip in a pastry bag or heavy-duty plastic bag. Fill bag with meringue. Pipe meringue in long rows on rectangles until each is completely filled. Bake at 250° for 1 hour or until set and dry. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven for 1 hour. , Remove from the oven and cool on baking sheets. When cooled completely, remove meringues from paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature. , In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread 1 tablespoon over each meringue. Let stand until chocolate is set. , In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla, beating on high until stiff peaks form., Set aside 12 strawberries; cut remaining strawberries into 1/4-in. slices. Place 12 meringues on a flat serving platter. Spread each with 2 tablespoons whipped cream; top with sliced strawberries. Spread each with 2 tablespoons whipped cream. Top with remaining meringues and whipped cream. Loosely cover; refrigerate for up to 2 hours., Just before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup. Cut reserved strawberries in half. Arrange cut side down over whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 48mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.