The last place I visited my dear friend Dorit was Ecuador
in 2010, where she was teaching English, German and Italian. I promised to hand-carry a jar of maple syrup
for her. And of course, along with the syrup, I was to
make high-altitude banana pancakes. She was so into them, that when I asked how
they tasted, she only nodded and made “mm hmm” sounds in between mouthfuls. We laughed. It
was a moment of pleasure for both of us, and somehow this memory surfaced when
I found out she died in January. She was a delight to know, talk to
and love. I guess I melded a bit of Canada and the Philippines and even Ecuador
in that pancake recipe for her. Perhaps I can meld her Austrian and Italian roots
into this Cherry Meringue. An Austrian/Italian alpine meringue for Dorit? Mm hmm.
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| © 2014 jordanabananabakes.blogspot.ca |
Alpine Meringue
4 egg whites from large, organic eggs
¾ cup superfine sugar
1 tsp natural vanilla extract
1 ½ to 2 1/2 cups pitted and drained sour cherries in syrup (1/4 cup syrup
reserved)
1 tsp cherry schnapps or kirsch, b/c I think she'll find it fun to have that in there (optional)
Things needed: 6 large ramekins
Preheat oven 300°F.
In a large bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer until soft
peaks form. Slowly add the sugar and beat until stiff and glossy. Beat in
vanilla.
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| © 2014 jordanabananabakes.blogspot.ca |
Add liquor to cherries and gently toss (optional). Equally
distribute drained cherries in ramekins (up to ¾ full). Spoon the meringue on top of the cherries.
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| © 2014 jordanabananabakes.blogspot.ca |
Drizzle a little
of the reserved syrup on top of each meringue (optional).
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| © 2014 jordanabananabakes.blogspot.ca |
Place ramekins on a cookie
sheet (there will be cherry juice drippings). Place sheet on middle rack (remove top metal
rack to prevent the rising meringues from sticking to it) and bake for 20-25 minutes until
slightly cream coloured. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
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| © 2014 jordanabananabakes.blogspot.ca |
I love and miss you Dorit.
Adapted from Marie Claire Seasonal Kitchen by Michele
Cranston © 2014
