Suspiritos (Dominican Merenguitos Meringue Kisses)
When it comes to delightful confections, few treats can rival the charm and lightness of Suspiritos, also known as Dominican Merenguitos. These meringue kisses are not just a feast for the eyes; their airy texture and delightful flavor combinations make them a must-try. Originating from the Dominican Republic, these little bites of heaven have earned their place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Perfect for any occasion, they are as versatile as they are delicious.
Why It Deserves a Spot
Suspiritos are more than just meringue; they are a celebration of flavors and culture. Their crisp exterior gives way to a soft, chewy interior, making each bite an experience. The combination of extracts, from vanilla to banana, brings a unique twist that sets them apart from traditional meringues. They’re not only easy to make, but they also allow for creativity in flavoring and decoration. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleaser for those with dietary restrictions.
What We’re Using
To create your own batch of Suspiritos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 egg whites (from 3 medium eggs or 2 large eggs, at room temperature, 100 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar (white, granulated, 100 g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (1 cup minus 2 tablespoons, 100 g, sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon pineapple extract
- 1 teaspoon banana extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
- Sprinkles of your choice
Hardware & Gadgets
Before diving into the recipe, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowl – A large, clean bowl for whipping the egg whites.
- Electric mixer – A hand mixer or stand mixer will do wonders for achieving the perfect peaks.
- Baking sheet – Use a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy removal of the meringues.
- Piping bag – For creating beautiful shapes, though you can also use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Oven – You’ll need a reliable oven for baking these airy sweets.
Suspiritos (Dominican Merenguitos Meringue Kisses) Cooking Guide
Let’s get started on making these delightful meringue kisses!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is key to drying out the meringues rather than baking them.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the meringues from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Using your electric mixer, beat them on medium speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Gradually Add Sugar
Once your egg whites have reached soft peaks, gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat on high speed. You want to achieve stiff peaks, which will take an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate the Powders
Once the egg whites are glossy and stiff, gently fold in the sifted powdered sugar, cocoa, and instant coffee. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; you want to maintain that airy texture.
Step 6: Flavor it Up
Add the vanilla, pineapple, banana, and almond extracts. Fold them in gently until evenly incorporated.
Step 7: Pipe the Meringues
Transfer the meringue mixture into your piping bag. Pipe small dollops onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one as they will expand slightly during baking.
Step 8: Add Sprinkles
Before popping them in the oven, sprinkle your favorite toppings on the meringue kisses. This is where you can get creative!
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Afterward, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside. This helps them dry out even more and achieve that perfectly crisp texture.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once cooled, carefully remove the Suspiritos from the parchment paper. They’re ready to be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or sweet gift for friends and family.
Make It Fit Your Plan
If you’re looking to customize your Suspiritos, here are some ideas:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like coconut, lemon, or peppermint.
- Colorful Meringues: Add food coloring to the meringue mixture for a fun and visually appealing twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled meringues for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nut Toppings: Consider adding crushed nuts or different types of sprinkles for added texture.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Here are some essential tips to ensure your Suspiritos turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Any oil can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Room temperature egg whites whip up better than cold ones, so let them sit out for about 30 minutes before using.
- Don’t skip the cream of tartar! It stabilizes the egg whites and helps achieve those stiff peaks.
- Be patient when adding sugar. Adding it too quickly can deflate your egg whites.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Suspiritos fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to freeze them, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving. Do not attempt to reheat them, as this will compromise their delightful texture.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use carton egg whites instead of fresh egg whites?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to use the equivalent measurement indicated on the carton for the number of egg whites needed.
Why are my meringues not crisping up?
This can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if there’s humidity in the air. Low and slow is the key to drying them out effectively.
Can I make Suspiritos without any flavor extracts?
While flavor extracts really enhance the taste, you can make plain meringues. Just omit the extracts and enjoy their natural sweetness!
What can I do if my meringue mixture is too runny?
If your mixture is runny, it’s likely that the egg whites weren’t whipped enough. Beat them until stiff peaks form, and if you’ve already added the sugar, you might need to start over with fresh egg whites.
If you love getting creative in the kitchen, here are some more delicious recipes to try:
That’s a Wrap
Suspiritos (Dominican Merenguitos Meringue Kisses) are more than just a treat; they are a delightful experience that brings a taste of the Dominican Republic into your kitchen. With their light and airy texture, paired with a medley of flavors, these meringue kisses are bound to impress. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, serving them at a celebration, or enjoying them solo, these meringues are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!
Suspiritos (Dominican Merenguitos Meringue Kisses)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is key to drying out the meringues rather than baking them.
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meringues from sticking.
- Step 3: In a clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat them on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
- Step 4: Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat on high speed until stiff peaks form (an additional 3-5 minutes).
- Step 5: Gently fold in the sifted powdered sugar, cocoa, and instant coffee.
- Step 6: Add the vanilla, pineapple, banana, and almond extracts and fold them in gently.
- Step 7: Transfer the meringue mixture into your piping bag and pipe small dollops onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 8: Sprinkle your favorite toppings on the meringue kisses.
- Step 9: Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside.
- Step 10: Once cooled, carefully remove the Suspiritos from the parchment paper, and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better whipping.
- Don’t skip the cream of tartar; it stabilizes the egg whites.
- Be patient when adding sugar; add it gradually.
