Remember a few weeks ago when my mom and I pretended I was in elementary school preparing to give homemade edible Valentines to all of my classmates? (Wait, actually...that's not a terrible idea. I'm giving a research presentation on V-day and I bet I could win them over with pink treats). Even though my hand was not steady enough to pipe itty-bitty heart sprinkles and we burned a batch of heart-shaped lollipops, these vanilla heart meringues turned out like sugary bites of love. Homemade love. They’re the perfect way to say “Happy Valentine’s Day”… or they would have been if it curiosity hadn’t gotten the best of the kitties.
After popping a few in my mouth and realizing that nothing and no one could stop me from eating the entire batch over the next 24 hours, I decided the neighbors could definitely use some festive sweets. After all, I'd borrowed a paint brush from them earlier in the day and couldn't very well return it without dessert. OBVIOUSLY. I arranged these pink hearts in precarious pyramids on two pretty plates to drop off next door. Now here’s my fatal mistake: I left them. Perched up on the counter just in eye-sight of two furry four-legged felines patrolling the house for mischief. I'm sure you can see where this is going...
...All across the counter - that's where. Let's be real clear about something: there is a strict "No cats on the counter" policy in the Menanix household. STRICT. The cats are more than privy to the rules of the house...and yet sometimes they just give zero hoots. Like, for example, when we've left them for a long weekend or when the birds are chirping so loudly outside the kitchen window that it's not even fair, the cats apparently rewrite the rulebook. OR when there are plates of pink meringues that most definitely look like cat toys - yup, they fall off the counter when kicked...definitely cat toys - cats are apparently allowed on the counter to retrieve said cat toys. Newsflash naughty kitties: Cats are not allowed on the counter - not ever. And the little pink food dye tint to your water dish gave you away. Caught pink handed.
I probably spent just a little bit too long trying to decide if the fact that the cats had played hockey on the counter with my meringues meant I had to toss them. They're that scrumptious. (For the record, they wound up in the compost bin). These meringues melt in your mouth - smooth pillows perfectly balanced between soft crumbles and light chewy texture. Something so simple has so many notes. If you pipe them in little dollops on the baking sheet, you can make them look much more uniform than my hand-piped hearts, but I'm totally into the handmade vibe.
Meringues are one of my go-to simple desserts. Don't let their baking time dissuade you - think about it, you can pop them in the oven and get to work on the main course. Sometimes it’s a challenge to coordinate an elaborate dinner and dessert in a timely fashion - too many things to juggle. Whether you make them ahead or put the oven to work while dinner's on the stove, these meringues allow you to do both. Simple and sweet and just enough to say three little words to your Valentine: “I love you."
Pink heart meringues bites
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- ½ cup fine baker's sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 smidgen of cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon Rodelle's vanilla extract (or other extract flavor of choice - almond? lemon?!)
- Optional: 1 small dab of pink gel food dye (or 1 drop red food coloring)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190ºF.
- Combine the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a double boiler set over simmer water (or in a medium heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, making sure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Whisk mixture continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the egg whites are warm to the touch, about 3-5 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine metal sieve into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
- Whisk on low-speed, gradually increasing to high-speed until soft peaks form (about 5 minutes). Add vanilla extract (or extract of choice) and, if using, food dye, and continue beating on high-speed until stiff peaks form (about 2 minutes).
- Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a wide tip (or, as I do, a Ziploc bag with a hole cut in the bottom corner for a pastry tip)
- Pipe 2-inch hearts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. **Note: I then used a toothpick to adjust the shape of the hearts
- Bake until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, about 1¼ to 1½ hours (Taste one after 1¼ hours to check whether they're done), and remember: do not open the oven door during the first hour the meringues are baking). After the meringues are done baking, turn the oven off and open the door to let meringues cool slowly in the oven (or eat right away because they're so super yummy you just can't wait!).
Cellabella -
I'm a snickerdoodle fan so I'd really like to make their Vanilla Bean Snickerdoodles!
Madeline -
I really want to try their Cocoa-Rubbed Rack of Lamb!
Madeline -
I've subscribed to your emails :)
Madeline -
I like you on FB!
Madeline -
I liked Rodelle Vanilla on FB too :)
Madeline -
And I'm following you on Twitter!
Chris @ Shared Appetite -
I've yet to make meringues. Would totally love to try these! They look so perfect for V-day! And I'm sure your cats really enjoyed them :) And what a cool giveaway!
Coco in the Kitchen -
What a gorgeous basket! I'm in the market for some vanilla. Going to shop Rodelle.
Their apple butter recipe is next on my to-do list. I can't resist a good ol'fashioned apple butter!
And your pink meringues are just so sweet. I love it. Going to make a batch this w/end for my hubby. Thanks, Snixy. xoxo
Sarah Menanix -
Hope you two have a great Valentine's day:) (And that you made some yummy mother/daughter treats!)
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean -
the chocolate sandwich cookies with the buttercream and caramel are calling my name!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean -
followed you on twitter!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean -
pinned your pretty hearts!
Angela -
The Rodelle Vanilla Bean Raspberry Bars Recipe and the Everything Cookie Recipe.
Angela -
and I already liked you on facebook...unfortunately facebook doesn't allow me to like x1million....
Tina -
The mousse cups look good!
Tina -
And, as you know...I <3 you on FB already...and in life ;)
Linda K. -
I want that Drunken Cherry Pavlova. Like RIGHT now.
Linda K. -
I follow Snixy on FB.
Linda K. -
I like Rodelle on Facebook.
Spike -
peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies fosho
Linda K. -
I follow Snixy on Twitter (@72wanda72)
Spike -
i liked snixy kitchen on Facebook before it was cool
Linda K. -
I pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/305752262173917072/
Sarah Menanix -
You're awesome! Thanks for entering my giveaways with EVERY option:) And thanks for reading my little blog!
Angela Young -
Tough choice between the Rodelle Vanilla Coffee Granita recipe and Rodelle Drunken Cherry Pavlova recipe....which means I probably would make both!
Angela Young -
I pinned it at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/343329171565050482/
Angela Young -
I subscribed to Snixy Kitchen by email!
Angela Young -
I liked Snixy Kitchen on Facebook.
Angela Young -
I liked Rodelle on Facebook.
Angela Young -
Sorry, I don't have a Twitter account, or I would have signed up for that, too! ;-) Great giveaway!
vicki read -
Chocolate Raspberry mousse cups....yum!
Amy L -
I'd like to try their recipe for Italian Hot Cocoa - Cioccolato Caldo. I've been drinking a lot of hot cocoa this winter, as it's been so cold and we've had so much snow!
Amy L -
I Like Rodelle on Facebook (Amy Masters Leach)
Amy L -
I follow Snixy Kitchen on twitter @amylou61
Jenny -
I am torn between the 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes (simple, naturally GF, and banana's for you) and the Baked Salmon (since we have some of the best seafood ever, here) recipe. I expected only baking things (vanilla, almond, etc.) but was stoked to see Salmon Seasoning! I like and follow and re-post all your things. <3
Jenny -
I like you on FB.
Jenny -
I follow you on Twitter.
Jenny -
I subscribe to your email.
Jenny -
I like Rodelle on FB.
Jenny -
I don't pin things. reddit.com/r/FoodPorn/comments/1xvbdx/so_cute_for_valentines_day_pink_heart_meringues/
Leila Emeric -
Subscribed!
Leila Emeric -
Would like to try the Rodelle apple Hand pies
Leila Emeric -
Liked your page on FB
Leila Emeric -
Already liked Rodelle on FB
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jain -
The double vanilla cupcakes looks so good. Cupcakes are always a win.
Jain -
I subscribed to your email :)
Melissa -
The Rodelle Vanilla Bean Raspberry Bars look delicious!
Melissa -
I follow on twitter @ justtellmewhen
Christopher -
Bourbon spiked eggnog cookies!!
Lana Walling -
Oooh Vegan Chocolate Pudding yummmm
Lana Walling -
I was disappointed to find that I didn't already like you on FB but I fixed that.
Lana Walling -
I do however already follow you on Twitter, but I think I'll have to get on your email list cuz I keep missing things and I need to steal all your recipes:)
Lana Walling -
And now I'm officially on your email list. I love a good vanilla extract, this Rodelle box would make a wonderful addition to my baking cupboard. Love ya Snixy Kitchen!
Beth Hicks -
I would love to try the Double Vanilla Cupcakes with their vanilla buttercream frosting.
Sue -
I think I'd try her Kahluapot de creme!
Sarah O. -
Srirache hummus sounds too freakin' good.
Sarah O. -
Pin:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/217932069442309323/
Jaana -
http://www.rodellekitchen.com/our-recipes/chocolate-thumbprint-cookies
Looks delish!
Jaana -
Like YOU on facebook
Jaana -
like Rodelle on Facebook
Christina -
Rodelle Double Vanilla Cupcakes
Christina -
I follow Rodelle on fb
Christina -
Pinned to Cookies!
Renee -
The Vanilla Dutch Apple Pie would be a hit in my house!
Kim -
I would love to try the almond vanilla torte that I saw on the Rodelle Facebook page. Looks yummy!
Kim -
I follow Rodelle on Facebook and have liked them.
Renee -
Already a fan of Rodelle Vanilla on FB
Renee -
Just liked Snixy Kitchen on FB.
Angela -
Rodelle-vanilla-bean-raspberry-bars - I would love to try them!
Angela -
I like Rodelle on Facebook
terri seibech -
* I want to try this recipe first: 2 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream.
* I "Liked" Rodelle on FB a long time ago.
* I "Liked" Snixy Kitchen on FB today.
* I signed up for the email today.
* I would <3 to win!
Alycia Hacke -
I would like to make the Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Bailey’s Irish Cream Buttercream and Whiskey Caramel by Peabody Rudd those look divine!
This is a fantastic giveaway!
Alycia Hacke -
I liked you on Facebook!
Alycia Hacke -
I'm already a fan of Rodelle on Facebook! =)
Alycia Hacke -
I pinned this recipe. I love meringue.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/181903272423580548/
Tanya LaVallee -
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!
Tanya LaVallee -
New fan of yours!
Tanya LaVallee -
Been a fan of Rodelle for a while now!
Alycia Hacke -
I followed you on twitter! (and pinterest!) @alyciahacke
Alycia Hacke -
I subscribed to your email!
Tanya LaVallee -
Following you on twitter
Tanya LaVallee -
Pinned the picture
Amie Olson -
I subscribe to Snixy Kitchen via email.
Amie Olson -
I like Rodelle on Facebook.
Amie Olson -
I follow Snixy Kitchen on Twitter.
Ross Olson -
I like Snixy Kitchen on Facebook.
Ross Olson -
I like Rodelle on Facebook.
Ross Olson -
I follow Snixy Kitchen on Twitter.
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe -
If I have to pick right now, I'd say I'm in the mood to try their Apple Streusel Bread. I could really use that and a cup of coffee right now. :)
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe -
Pinned this post at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205054589257902890/
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe -
I follow via Facebook as Hye Thyme Cafe
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe -
I follow Rodelle on Facebook as Hye Thyme Cafe
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe -
I follow you on Twitter as @HyeThymeCafe
Tanya -
I'm gonna try their Vanilla Cinnamon Rolls, I love how pretty and twirled the center looks.
Tanya -
I'm a fan of Rodelle on fb.
Tanya -
I recently have "liked" you on fb, discovered thru Rodelle's page.
Mary Beth Elderton -
OMoodness! The 2 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream Recipe sounds wonderful! We all love ice cream, but my littlest grand-daughter needs to be dairy-free. This looks incredible.
Mary Beth Elderton -
I subscribed via email
Mary Beth Elderton -
I joined you on Pinterest and pinned this giveaway:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/39828777929221065/
Mary Beth Elderton -
I liked you on FB as Mary Beth Elderton
Mary Beth Elderton -
I like Rodelle on FB
Mary Beth Elderton -
I joined you on twitter as @mbm218
karen -
I'd like to try the almond-vanilla torte
Sue -
pinned it!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/456693218435188334/
Sue -
I am subscribed by email. And really enjoying it!
Lisa Aliperti -
Vanilla Bean Fudge- YUM
Lisa Aliperti -
Like Snixykitchen on Facebook
Lisa Aliperti -
like Rodelle on Facebook
Lisa Aliperti -
Pinned the pink heart meringues on Pinterest
Terri C -
Would love to try Rodelle's vanilla frozen yogurt! And the black bean brownies!
Terri C -
Subscribe to you email!
Sandy Headtke -
I would make the vanilla coffee granita.
Terri C -
Follow on Pinterest and pinned the pink heart meringues and more!
Sandy Headtke -
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151715081171498825/
Here is my pin..
Terri C -
I like Rodelle on Facebook.
Sandy Headtke -
I signed up for your email
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Like you on Facebook
Sandy Headtke -
Follow you on twitter
Terri C -
I like Sniky Kitchen on Facebook .
Sandy Headtke -
I loke Rodelle on Facebook, that is how I found you
Lisa -
What an awesome giveaway. Will be trying the meringue recipe.
Ann -
Everything Cookies sound yummy.
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow -
I'd love to try the Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cups.
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow -
Pinned the first image to my dessert board.
Julie Cook -
I want to make the Rodelle coconut vanilla whipped cream! sounds yummy!
Emma -
This sounds so good - Rodelle Kahlúa Pots de Creme
Emma -
I subscribe to your email
Emma -
I liked you on facebook
Emma -
I liked Rodelle on facebook
Emma -
I follow on twitter
Lisa -
I would like to try the guilt-free raspberry chocolate smoothie. It looked so yummy!
Lisa -
I liked rodelle on facebook
Lisa -
Liked snixykitchen on Facebook
Ginger Stark -
The little hand-held mini apple pie cookies
Amanda Raney -
I like their vanilla bean raspberry bars-I've made them before.
Amanda Raney -
I already like rodelle on fb!
Amanda Raney -
I pinned an image-http://www.pinterest.com/pin/522558362985266328/
Paula jones -
Rode ole vanilla coffee granila
Margot C -
I think I might make the Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cups Recipe (yum!)
Margot C -
I subscribe to Snixy Kitchen via email to this box: annazed10 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Margot C -
I pinned! : http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33495590952622057/
Margot C -
I like Snixy Kitchen on Facebook as Margot Core
Margot C -
I like Rodelle on Facebook as Margot Core
Margot C -
I follow Snixy Kitchen on Twitter where I am @AnnaZed
Khandra Henderson -
I would like to try their raspberry white chocolate muffins!!! http://www.rodellekitchen.com/our-recipes/rodelle-raspberry-white-chocolate-muffins
Khandra Henderson -
i pinned an image on pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pin/159385274286482737/
Khandra Henderson -
i like the snixy kitchen on facebook
Khandra Henderson
Khandra Henderson -
i like rodelle on facebook
Khandra Henderson
Khandra Henderson -
i follow you on twitter
@khandra_
Nicole Podesta -
I'd love to make the vegan chocolate pudding-it looks easy yet so delicious!
Nicole Podesta -
I pinned the meringues to pinterest
Nicole Podesta -
I liked Snixy Kitchen on facebook
Nicole Podesta -
I liked Rodelle on facebook
Nicole Podesta -
I followed Snixy Kitchen on twitter @nicolepodesta
Nicole Podesta -
....and i subscribed to your site!
Meryl -
I'd like to try the Rodelle Chocolate Almond Mini Cheesecakes.
Jeffrey -
I want to make the Layered Carrot Cake Recipe, it has to be healthy with the vegetable aspect, Right? Carrot cake is awesome with a moist yet dense texture!
Jeffrey -
I pinned it: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/122371314849185865/.
Jeffrey -
I like your Facebook page.
Jeffrey -
I like Rodelle on Facebook.
Jeffrey -
I follow you on Twitter.
Jeffrey -
I get your email updates at jefflammers at rocketmail dot com.
Nunny Yabid -
Vanilla Bean Almond Toffee! My aunt is the holiday source for toffee, but I'd love to give her a version like that for her birthday.
CVD -
Consider yourself followed on twitter!
CVD -
Also, even though they don't have any "recipes" for it (which they need to correct), I think I'd like to try Rodelle's Wassail.
Dorothy Boucher -
i have always wanted to try this recipe :) http://www.rodellekitchen.com/our-recipes/vanilla-coffee-granita thanks for share @tisonlyme143
Dorothy Boucher -
I subscribed to Snixy Kitchen :) thanks @tisonlyme143
Dorothy Boucher -
ok pinned :) http://www.pinterest.com/pin/335588609705513433/
thanks @tisonlyme143
Dorothy Boucher -
Like Snixy Kitchen on Facebook thanks @tisonlyme143
Dorothy Boucher -
Like Rodelle on Facebook thanks @tisonlyme143
Dorothy Boucher -
Follow Snixy Kitchen on Twitter (@snixykitchen) thanks @tisonlyme143
Suzanne -
I would like to try the Vanilla Bean Sweet Potato Latkes.
Suzanne -
I have subscribed to Snixy Kitchen
Suzanne -
I pinned this to pinterest
Suzanne -
I liked Snixy Kitchen on facebook
Suzanne -
I liked Rodelle on facebook
Suzanne -
I now follow Snixy Kitchen on twitter.
And thanks for this nice giveaway.
Nicole -
Herbes de Provence New England Potatoes! They look so delicious--and so easy!! And I like you on FB! (Off FB as well, of course!)
Nunny Yabid -
I like, like, like Rodelle on Facebook! (You wrote "Wednesday, February 18th" for entry cut-off, but Wednesday is the 19th, so, not sure if you meant Tuesday or Wednesday.)
And..cats, those adorable bad kitties. I understand the love/frustration!
Sarah Menanix -
Oops! Good find! It goes until tonight - I've updated the post:) Thanks!
Nunny Yabid -
I'm subscribed to your e-mail!
Tanya -
I subscribe via email.