Festive Meringue Wreaths with Berries and Mint

These delicate meringue wreaths are crisp and light, adorned with fresh red berries and mint leaves to celebrate the colors of Christmas. They make a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table and are perfect to serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of berry compote.

Ingredients (Makes 8 Dozen Mini Wreaths)

• Swiss meringue (prepare using a classic Swiss meringue recipe, enough to fill a 14-inch pastry bag)
• Fresh red berries (such as raspberries, strawberries sliced in half, pomegranate seeds or red currants)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Optional: Whipped cream or berry compote for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meringue Base:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
   • Line four baking sheets with parchment paper. Trace 2½-inch circles onto the parchment as guides, making sure the marked side is facing down on the baking sheet to avoid ink transfer.
   • Fill a 14-inch pastry bag fitted with a medium leaf tip (Wilton 68, 69, or 70) with the prepared Swiss meringue.

2. Pipe the Meringue Wreaths:

   • Pipe leaves along the traced circles to form wreath shapes, slightly overlapping each leaf to create a full, festive wreath appearance.

3. Bake the Meringues:

   • Place two baking sheets in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Rotate the baking sheets, reduce the oven temperature to 175°F (80°C), and continue baking for another 30 to 60 minutes, until the meringues are dry to the touch but not browned.
   • Remove from the oven and transfer the meringues to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Repeat with the remaining two baking sheets, raising the oven temperature back to 200°F before each batch.

4. Decorate for a Festive Touch:

   • Once the meringues are fully cooled, arrange small red berries around each meringue wreath to mimic holly berries. Place fresh mint leaves sporadically around the berries to add a green, festive touch.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Arrange the decorated meringue wreaths on a serving platter. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a bowl of freshly whipped cream or a berry compote on the side, allowing guests to add a dollop to their meringue.
   • These wreaths also pair wonderfully with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Tips for Perfect Meringues

• Ensure a Dry Environment: Humidity can affect the crispness of meringues. Try to bake them on a dry day, and store them in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
• Low and Slow Baking: Baking at a low temperature for a long time ensures the meringues dry out without browning, preserving their delicate white color.
• Careful Handling: Meringues are fragile. Handle them gently to prevent cracking, especially when decorating with berries and mint.

These Festive Meringue Wreaths are not only visually stunning but bring a light, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with rich holiday meals. The vibrant colors and seasonal flavors will be a welcome addition to your Christmas dessert spread. Enjoy the beauty and sweetness they bring to your holiday celebrations!