59°F
weather icon Clear

Feather-light dessert perfect for spring

Could these cookies be any more perfect for springtime? I think not. They’re sweet, pastel and light as a feather. While they look impressive, they’re astonishingly easy to make. If I can make these, you can make these. Let everyone think you moonlight as a pastry chef in a French patisserie. It’ll be our secret.

Speaking of secret, there’s an unexpected ingredient in these meringue-based cookies. I use gelatin dessert powder (such as Jell-O brand). Besides giving these cookies their beautiful colors and fun, fruity flavors, the gelatin makes the meringue exceptionally stable and very easy to work with.

I imagine my dear readers rolling their eyes thinking, “She’s lost her mind. Not only is she expecting us to make meringue, but she wants us to use a piping bag.” Believe me, I used to be scared of both things, too. But as I said, if I can do this, anybody can do this.

If you can use a mixer, you can make meringue. You simply whip the egg whites, adding sugar and gelatin powder. If you choose not to pipe them, just plop by the spoonful and bake. Using a piping bag is great fun. I have no piping skills whatsoever.

The internet is filled with easy instruction videos. You can invest in some reusable bags and a few tips for less than $5. Any mistakes you make you can scoop back into the bag and try again. Or eat them. I won’t tell.

Perfect for Easter, bridal or baby showers, these cookies are a showstopper. You can add sprinkles, top with colored sugar or dip the bottoms in melted chocolate. You can combine different-colored batters in the piping bag for multicolor swirl effects. At a cost of under $2 a batch, these spectacular cookies are certainly frugal and fabulous.

PASTEL MERINGUE COOKIES

Yield: approximately 36 cookies

Time: 2 1/2 hours total

What you’ll need

4 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup sugar

1 3-ounce package any flavor gelatin

Here’s how

Preheat oven to 225 F. Carefully separate egg yolks from the whites, taking care that absolutely no yolks get in the whites. Reserve yolks for another purpose.

In a completely clean and dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed. When whites reach soft peak stage, gradually add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Turn mixer to low and gradually add gelatin until incorporated.

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drop mixture by tablespoonfuls or use your piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to pipe meringue mixture. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off heat. Without opening the oven door, leave them in the oven another hour to further dry.

I made cookies using five flavors of gelatin. Pineapple was the family favorite, but each flavor was enjoyable.

Unfortunately, adding the gelatin means they’re not kosher for Passover. Of course, you can omit the gelatin, double the sugar, add a teaspoon of vanilla and a few drops food coloring. Voilà!

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the recipe developer and food writer of the website “Divas On A Dime — Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous!” Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Popular block party moving location

It’s no secret that Boulder City residents enjoy their community events, especially in fall. One more to mark on the calendar is the annual street dance/block party that in recent years has been hosted by The Dillinger owner Grant Turner. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 25 beginning at 2 p.m. and ending around 11:30 p.m.

King Elementary launches into learning at STARBASE

Fifth-graders from Martha P. King Elementary School recently took part in an unforgettable learning experience at STARBASE Henderson, a hands-on STEM program hosted at a Department of Defense lab.

BCR offers first-ever holiday magazine

With fall comes cooler temperatures and a crispness in the air as the holidays quickly approach.

Rating reflects teachers’ commitment and determination of students

There’s no better way to begin this school year than by celebrating a truly incredible accomplishment of Garrett Junior High School officially earning a 5-Star school rating. This distinction represents the highest level of achievement under Nevada’s School Performance Framework and recognizes not only strong academic performance, but also growth, teamwork, and a positive school culture.

Everything from A to Z available at Country Store

Whether you call it a garage sale, yard sale or tag sale, Grace Community Church’s Country Store is one of the largest of its kind in the area.

Homecoming: Small town tradition

There’s something special about Homecoming in Boulder City.

Student achievement main focus at Mitchell

Mitchell Elementary has enjoyed a great beginning to our school year as our staff continues to serve our students and families as their children learn and grow their leadership skills.

What is a PSA test and why you need one

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is found in small amounts in the blood. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate health and to help detect prostate cancer.

Wurst Fest kicks off fall event season

For nearly three decades it kicks off a very busy event season in Boulder City; one that goes up into the holidays.

Chugging Along

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review