Holiday Wreath Meringues with Fresh Fruit ❄🍓

🍭 Preparation

1️⃣ Preparing the Meringue

1. Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy.
3. Add the cream of tartar (or pinch of salt), and continue beating.
4. Increase speed to high and gradually add the powdered sugar, one spoonful at a time.
5. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the meringue holds its shape when the bowl is tilted or inverted.
6. Add vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring. Mix on low speed or fold gently until the color is evenly distributed.

2️⃣ Shaping the Wreaths

1. Spoon the green meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
2. On the prepared baking sheet, pipe wreath shapes by creating circular rings. Leave a small empty space in the center for fruit.
3. For added texture, pipe small decorative dots or stars around the wreaths.

3️⃣ Baking

• Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake slowly for 1½ to 2 hours. The goal is to dry the meringues, not brown them.
• Once done, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside for another 30 minutes to cool gradually—this helps prevent cracking.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. They should lift off the parchment cleanly when fully cooled and crisp.
  

  4️⃣ Fruit Decoration