Meringue Shells

This dessert can be totally fat free if you use sorbet rather than ice cream, and it will be just as delicious. It does need to be made ahead, since it needs to bake at least 2 hours.

Whip one egg white for every 2 people (4 egg whites for 8 people) Add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time until the sugar dissolves, for a total of 2 tablespoons per person (16 T for 8 people.) This will take about 15 minutes. Then add vanilla and red food coloring if you want them pink. Spread them into circles or heart shapes on brown paper or tinfoil. Bake in a 200 degree oven for at least 2 hours.

Pile the meringue shells with ice cream and fresh strawberry slices, or fruit sorbet (freeze canned or fresh fruit, and grind in a food processor. Add sugar if needed, and a tablespoon of water to make it the consistency of soft serve ice cream.)

Meringue shells need to be kept in an air tight container if not eaten right away, or they will absorb moisture from the air, and becomes sticky and hard to eat.

My kids and their friends enjoyed drinking beverages out of a valentine mug or glass. I couldn’t resist getting seasonal mugs to help celebrate each holiday, so a tradition was born. Actually, all of my kids collect mugs now that they are adults, so they are keeping the tradition going--I guess they liked it!

I glued foam hearts to bamboo skewers to make eating food festive. If you can’t find little fondue forks in your dollar store (hundred yen store) make these to eat your chocolate fondue.