These spooky, melt-in-your-mouth meringue ghosts are light, crispy, and a fun addition to Halloween. Perfect for decorating with little ghost faces using ready-to-use black gel icing!
Yield:
24-30 meringue ghosts
Ingredients:
For the Meringue Ghosts:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional for stability)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for a hint of flavor)
- Ready-to-use black gel icing (comes pre-packaged in piping tubes)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Beat the Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, and continue beating until soft peaks form.
Personal Tip: Cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringue, making it easier to work with. -
Gradually Add Sugar: Increase the mixer speed to high, adding sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar fully dissolves. Add vanilla extract if desired.
Personal Tip: Adding sugar gradually ensures it dissolves fully, resulting in smooth meringue with no graininess. -
Pipe the Ghosts: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 2-3 inches tall) onto the baking sheets, giving each a little “tail” at the top for a ghostly shape.
Personal Tip: To create more defined ghosts, gently lift the piping bag at the end of each ghost to form a pointed "tail." -
Bake the Meringues: Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and lift easily from the parchment. Turn off the oven and leave the ghosts inside to cool completely.
Personal Tip: Letting the meringues cool in the oven helps them dry completely without cracking. -
Decorate the Ghosts: Once fully cool, use the ready-to-use black gel icing tube to add ghostly eyes and a mouth. Black gel icing is easy to find in most baking aisles and is conveniently pre-packaged in piping tubes, making it perfect for decorating.
A Little More Information About These Meringue Ghosts:
Texture: These ghosts are airy and crisp on the outside, with a soft, chewy center. The whipped egg whites and sugar give them a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Decoration Versatility: Using black gel icing in ready-to-use tubes simplifies the decorating process, allowing you to create various ghostly expressions quickly and easily.
Ready-to-use black gel icing tubes are typically available at the following places:
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Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Many large supermarkets, especially those with a baking aisle, stock ready-to-use gel icings, especially around holiday seasons.
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Baking Supply Stores: Specialty baking stores often carry a variety of gel icing colors in convenient squeeze tubes or small bottles.
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Craft Stores: Major craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann often have a baking or cake decorating section with a variety of gel icings.
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Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target carry a range of gel icings in different colors, including black, in both small tubes and larger containers.
Tips for Success:
- Avoid Egg Yolk Contamination: To ensure the egg whites whip to their full volume, avoid any egg yolk in the mixture by cracking each egg individually over a separate bowl first.
- Humidity Affects Meringues: Meringues absorb moisture from the air, so they’re best made on a dry day to keep them crisp.
- Storing the Ghosts: Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to prevent softening from humidity.
- Serving Suggestions: These ghostly meringues make a delightful addition to Halloween treats and can be placed on top of dark chocolate cupcakes, brownies, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 30, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 7g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: 7g, Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 5mg, Sugars: 7g, Glycemic Index: Medium
These Meringue Ghosts are a fun and festive addition to Halloween celebrations. With just a few simple ingredients and easy decorating, they’re perfect for adding a spooky touch to your dessert table.