Basic Meringue
With your mixer still running, gradually add the sugar and the pinch of salt. Turn the mixer up to the highest setting and whisk for about 7 or 8 minutes until the meringue mixer is deliciously white and glossy. Dip your finger in the meringue and rub the mixture between your thumb and index finger. It should feel perfectly smooth. If it feels at all grainy, whisk for a little bit longer. Keep a close eye on the meringue because if you whisk for too long, it will collapse.
Now gently fold in one of the flavors from the list below–if you fancy. Personally, I quite like to eat a meringue that has a secret extra flavor added to it, especially when it's so subtle that you end up kicking yourself trying to work out what it is! Choose one of the following:
- A good pinch of saffron
- Zest of 2 oranges
- A handful of pistachio nuts, bashed
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- Zest of 3 lemons
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly toasted and crushed