It’s as easy as ABC…
A. Line a baking tray with silicone paper. Whisk the egg whites very stiffly. Add sugar a teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition.
B. Draw an 8-inch circle on silicone paper. Use half the meringue to fill circle and smooth it with a knife. Put spoonfuls of remaining mixture on to rest of paper in seven heats. drawing them up to a peak with the handle of a teaspoon. Bake meringues in a very cool oven for 2 hours or until crisp. Remove from oven and leave to cool on a wire tray.
C. Put chestnut purée in a bowl. In another bowl whip cream until it forms soft peaks. Fold cream into purée with sherry if used. Spread filling on to meringue base. Arrange small meringues on the top. Use the marrons glacé to decorate. Serves 4-6.
QUICK TIP
Cooking meringues – it is far better to cook meringues on the slow side, just gently drying them out. (Use the coolest oven in a solid fuel cooker). Too hot an oven causes the sugar to weep out as a syrup, and also makes the meringues over-coloured.
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