Almond Meringue Gateau -

Almond Meringue Gateau

This simple but divine meringue gâteau can also be made using ground hazelnuts. Serve it with a raspberry or strawberry coulis.

Ingredients

Corn oil for greasing
4 egg whites
225 g caster sugar
1 teaspoon cornflour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
100 g ground almonds
250 ml double cream
Icing sugar for dusting
8 whole unblanched almonds
Raspberry or Strawberry Coulis to serve

Details

Serves: 6

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Grease two 20 cm loose-based sandwich tins with corn oil and line the bases with baking parchment.

Make a meringue with the egg whites and sugar. Quickly whisk the cornflour, vanilla extract and vinegar into the meringue, then gently fold in the ground nuts. Divide evenly and spoon into the prepared tins. Bake in the centre of the oven for 35 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow the meringues to cool in the tins. Once cool, carefully turn them out, running a palette knife around the edge of the meringues to loosen them from the tin, if necessary. Remove the lining.

Whisk the cream until thick, not buttery. Place one of the meringues on a cake stand and spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Place the other meringue gently on top of the cream. Sift icing sugar over the gâteau, decorate with almonds and serve with a fresh Fruit Coulis.

Related food category:

• Dessert