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If you’re looking for a simple, delicious treat that’s a delight for kids and grownups as well, whip up a batch of these yummy melt-in-your-mouth meringues!
Have you ever heard of a Middle of the Night Party? We had one last night here at The Café. It's a crazy but fun tradition and here’s how it works - one night during the time my granddaughters are visiting here in the States or while I'm a guest at their home in London, I clandestinely enter their room in the middle of the night, gently wake them asking the same question each time; "Do you want to go back to sleep, or do you want to have a middle-of-the-night-party?" The answer is always a bit dazed, albeit confident, "Party!"
I carry each of the sleepy-eyed girls downstairs to a fun little table I've set up in advance with my best china, or perhaps a small tea set - just their size. With eyes suddenly becoming wide, they view the party scene; candles, pretty napkins, something special to sip on and of course, a few yummy sweet treats. We talk, sing a few songs and might light sparklers, pop party poppers (outside of course, so "the grownups" won't hear!) or play a short game.
Then it's back to bed with a stern (Well, as stern as this grammy can muster) warning; "Be sure to go right back to sleep, or your parents will NEVER allow us to party again in the middle of the night!". You might not believe this, but I've never heard a peep out of the wee-hour princesses after returning them to their pumpkin coaches beds.
My girlies, sadly, head back to England tomorrow, but I savored each moment of our special party. These unusual celebrations are a huge hit with the them too. Last night they told me that they would like to have these parties "till they got married" and then "Could grammy please come to our houses and wake our husbands too?" We'll have to see about that - Prince Charmings don't generally appreciate being woken in the middle of the night for a tea party.
Papa was kind enough to join us this time and capture some photos from our crazy adventure. The girls love having him join their parties, but if I happen to be visiting them in England without Papa, they beg to call him and guess what they say? "Papa, would you like to go back to sleep or would you like to have a middle of the night party with us?"
These little sweeties enjoy helping in the kitchen and when I pulled out the ingredients for these fun Kissing Strawberry Meringues, they were eager to participate. They loved the pretty pink color and piping circles around the chocolate kisses. I didn’t tell them they were making treats for their own party!
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious treat that’s a delight for kids and grownups as well, whip up (literally) a batch of these yummy melt-in-your mouth meringues!
- 4 egg whites from 4 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strained strawberry jam* warm the jam in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before straining, it will be infinitely easier to push through a strainer
- 48 milk or dark chocolate Hersheys Kisses
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Preheat oven to 200°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or foil lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Unwrap Hershey Kisses (an excellent kid's job) and place 24 Kisses on each sheet for a total of 48.
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With an electric mixer, beat egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Increase speed to medium-high. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract until combined.
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Prepare a large pastry bag (or a large resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off) with a large star tip. Spoon meringue batter into bag drizzling 1-2 teaspoons jam over each large spoonful. Pipe a circle around each kiss and continue piping two gradually smaller circles on top of the first circle, forming a larger "kiss".
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Place the two sheet pans in pre-heated oven and bake for one hour. Turn oven off and allow meringues to remain in oven at least 1 hour or until completely cooled.
Notes:
~ *Look for the brightest, prettiest strawberry jam you can find. I used my Strawberry Freezer Jam as it keeps it beautiful color even after being frozen for months!
~ Eggs separate more easily when they are warm. Place egg whites in bowl and bring to room temperature. To speed up this process, place bowl of egg whites into a slightly larger bowl containing lukewarm water.
~ Make sure beater and mixing bowl are spotlessly clean. Any grease in the mixture will deflate meringue.
~ It's more difficult to make succesful meringues when the weather is humid. Moisture will prevent egg whites from forming stiff peaks.
Adapted from McCormick
Dining Alone says
What amazing photos, those girls sure made me smile 🙂 That party is a great tradition and something they will surely remember when they are older and think they had the coolest grandma. I am sorry they are leaving but it looks like you had a lot of fun.
Susan says
Wow, Chris - I almost started crying when I read this post. What a lovely tradition! Your princesses are just delightful - not to mention the meringues.
Mary says
It sounds like you had a wonderful visit.What wonderful memories you are creating for the girls. I love your party idea. I'll just have to find a way to adapt it to my wranglers. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary
Kim Garceau says
This middle of the night party is really a good idea as kids can sleeps easyly! And for you, it is so good, you can have a magic moment wtih them! with these little pink meringues, it's perfect for the night!
Not Your Ordinary Agent says
Oh my goodness, this is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Your granddaughters are so lucky!! They look so happy too. What a fun idea. Makes me a bit teary-eyed because it's so sweet. Thanks for linking to Foodtastic Friday!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
You are a fabulous grandmother. I bet they beg to come to visit you.
Sam
Jen @ Jens Favorite Cookies says
What fantastic ideas! I love the middle of the night party, and I love the chocolate surprise inside the meringue! Can't wait to try it myself!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks Veronica, I do love these girls and have so much fun with them. They do have a bit of a British accent, particularly the middle one as she was just starting to talk when they moved to England. They have very cute British sayings to that are so commonplace to them that we don't say on this side of the pond.
Veronica Miller says
What a lovely tradition! Just love it! It reminds me of a movie I saw a long time ago when two grown women, who were visiting the aunts they grew up with, woke up in the middle of the night to some noises in the kitchen and yelled "midnight margaritas!" I like your version better since I don't drink-lol. Your grand-daughters are such cutie-patooties. Do they have British accents? If so, I think I will die--that puts them over the top. Glad you had a good time with them. You are the greatest Grandma!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Hello Mary, I did make this up but I can't remember why I even started doing this MNP - all I know is that the girls would be very disappointed if I forgot to do it. They do quite frequently remind me about it. 🙂
Hovkonditorn says
Looks lovely and your helpers are so cute. I made meringues yesterday with chocolate swirls 🙂
Mary Hirsch says
I have never, never heard of this. Did you make this up yourself? I have two grandchildren, girls, 9 and 11, a bit older than your beautiful little gals, I think. They would love this idea. I have always thought I was the best grandma in the world and filled with the greatest ideas. However, after reading this Post and seeing those delicious meringues, I definitely have to pick up my game!
Cathy says
What wonderful memories were made!!!
Sandra Lee says
Absolutely precious Chris. You are so blessed.
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
Gorgeous meringues and what a wonderful tradition to have with your granddaughters! Looks like they're having a great time:@)
Gloria says
Look absolutely delicious I have to make these soon and the girls are so cute:))
Eri says
Awwww!!! What a lovely lovely post! I love your sous chefs Chris, they are so adorable!
and what a brilliant idea the hidden kiss inside the meringue! Back in Greece we have a tradition to make meringues when there is a wedding in the home.
Hugs and kisses to you and those gorgeous creatures, have a wonderful weekend!
Susan says
You are the bestest grandmother in the whole world!!!!
Martha says
What a fun thing to do! I'm sure they love their time with Grandma!
They are adorable!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh my gosh, that is so adorable!! Your grand kids are so lucky to have you and you are so lucky to have them!! The cookies are beautiful!!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
What an absolutely delightful idea! I will stick this away and use it when I am a grandmother someday! Your sweet granddaughters are beautiful and look like they are having so much fun!
Your Meringues looks like pink clouds!!! I bet whenever they see a meringue they will think of your middle-of-the-night parties and feel so loved by you!
Please share this sweet idea and sweet treat at ON THE MENU MONDAY!
overtimecook.com says
Love this idea! Strawberries and chocolate are so marvelous together!
Those girls are simply gorgeous, and I love their hats!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
What a fun tradition and what happy future bakers! Very cute photos :). I love meringues, these are just beautiful!
sophiesfoodiefiles says
What a fun night with your little grand-daughters!
What is more fun & then experimenting & helping grandma in the kitchen? I love thier cool Chef hats too! 🙂
Beautiful pics yoo, my friend! 🙂 Tasty meringues!
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
Dear Chris, this is such a beautiful post! My heart is melting looking at your little princesses, they are adorable! And cute hats, I want one too! 🙂 I am sure they would cherish those moments for the rest of their lives with a warm hearts.