Chestnut Cream Vacherin Recipe

You will need.....       For the meringue:

                               3 egg whites                                  

                               6 oz. castor sugar

                               For the chestnut filling :

                               8 3/4 oz. can sweetened chestnut puree

Preparation Time      1/4 pint double cream

15 minutes                1-2 tablespoons sherry (optional)

                               marrons glace (optional)

Cooking Time           

2 hours

 

Oven setting           

240ºF; Gas Mark 1/4 

                            

Line a baking  tray with silicone paper. Whisk the egg whites very stiffly. Add sugar a teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition.

 

Draw an 8-inch circle on silicone paper. Use half the meringue to fill circle and smooth it with a knife. Put spoonfuls of remaining mixture on to rest of paper in seven heaps, drawing them up to a peak with the handle of a teaspoon. Bake meringues in a very cool oven for 2 hours or until crisp. Remove from oven and leave to cool on a wire tray.

 

Put chestnut puree in a bowl. In another bowl whip cream until it forms soft peaks. Fold cream into puree with sherry if used. Spread filling on to meringue base. Arrange small meringues on the top. Use the marrons glace to decorate. Serves 4-6.

 

Quick Tip

 

Cooking meringues - it is far better to cook meringues on the slow side, just gently drying them out. (Use the coolest oven in a solid fuel cooker). Too hot an oven causes the sugar to weep out as a syrup, and also makes the meringues over-colored.

 

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