Paul Hollywood has shared a delightful holiday recipe for Almond and Amaretto Meringues that promises a perfect treat for the festive season. Renowned for his expertise as a judge on The Great British Baking Show, also known as The Great British Bake Off in the UK, Hollywood’s version of this classic meringue dessert adds a touch of sophistication with the inclusion of amaretto liqueur. Describing the meringues featured in his latest dessert cookbook Celebrate, Hollywood notes that they boast a delicate balance of a soft crunch on the outside and a slightly chewy toffee center.
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Revealing the cherished origins of the recipe, Hollywood shares that it was passed down from his grandmother who was a skilled meringue-maker. Infusing the traditional meringue recipe with amaretto was his own inspired twist, elevating the humble meringues to a more luxurious and festive experience, making them ideal for Christmas celebrations. The recipe for Paul Hollywood’s Almond and Amaretto Meringues features simple yet essential ingredients like egg whites, superfine sugar, powdered sugar, slivered almonds, heavy cream, and of course, the star ingredient, amaretto.
To start the meringue-making process, preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually incorporating superfine sugar to achieve a smooth, glossy texture. The addition of powdered sugar adds sweetness and lightness to the meringue mixture, which is then piped into individual meringue kisses on the baking sheets. Sprinkling chopped almonds over the meringues before baking adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavour to the finished treats.
Once baked to perfection, the meringues are left to cool in the oven before being paired with a luscious amaretto-infused cream. Whipping the cream until medium peaks form and gently folding in the amaretto creates a decadent filling that perfectly complements the airy meringues. Finally, the meringue sandwiches are assembled by piping the amaretto cream between two meringue halves, creating a delightful and festive dessert that is sure to impress.
This recipe not only captures the essence of holiday indulgence but also pays homage to family traditions and culinary heritage. Paul Hollywood’s Almond and Amaretto Meringues offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert, blending nostalgic flavours with a touch of sophistication. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat during the festive season or as a special homemade gift for loved ones, these meringues are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering. So why not try your hand at making these delectable sweet treats and add a touch of Paul Hollywood’s magic to your holiday celebrations this year.