Meringues

Posted by Wayne (Melbourne, Australia) on 25 June 2008 in Food & Cuisine.

Plain French Meringues...they were part of a larger dessert ensemble I was putting together called Eton Mess for Rebecca who was back in Singapore talking about it.

It was the first time I made a dish for a person who wasn't in the same country as me. It was a novel experience to say the least.

Meringues interest me for another reason too. I'm always fascinated by how kitchens of old (big and small) functioned. You must realise...things like refrigeration, reliable supply chains or even being able to order say 10 cuts of porterhouse were impossibilities back then. Which means...things like on-demand on-off appliances or pre-cut meats which I take for granted...and all the methods of prep that rely on those things...aren't in play anymore.

When the cook fired up the oven...it stayed fired for the duration of the day not just during the meal prep...simply because it was fueled by wood and the warm up time was long. Odds bits and pieces of meat didn't get thrown away...they were pressed into service as stock base for sauces and soups...blood retained as thickening agents. Everything was done with a purpose and nothing was wasted.

Anyway, coming back to Meringues...they're known also as forgotten cookies...since they can be chucked in the oven for a long time and at a relatively low temperature to dry out. This factors in neatly into the oven during its cool down phase (back in the kitchens of old)...since the oven would still be warm (due to its ceramic heat retention capabilities). Thus, even the cool down process was made efficient. I guess its probably weird that I see great beauty in efficient processes....but I do and I don't care whatever anyone else may think of it.

Youtube Treat of the Day:
Another wonderful A cappella group this time from Sweden - Riltons Vänner with a couple of songs
The Reason - I really love the melody to this song.
De vill att vi bugar och niger
Längtar till sommarn - the lead singer's really got a beautiful voice