Snow Eggs (Recipe)

Ingredients

3 cups whole milk

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

6 eggs, separated

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Caramelized sugar or unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

Steps

1. In a large saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean just to boiling.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and the granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and lemon colored.

3. Stir about 1 cup of hot milk into the egg yolk mixture.  Return all of the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook, stirring constantly, until the foam on the surface disappears and the mixture coats a metal spoon.  Do not boil.  Immediately pour the mixture into a large, flat dish or bowl.  Remove the vanilla bean. Allow the custard to cool.

4. In a clean, large mixing bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks from (tips curl).  Add the vanilla and continue beating.  Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).

5. In a large Dutch oven, heat 7 to 8 cups water to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer.

6. Using 2 large spoons, drop the egg white mixture by mounds into the simmering water.  Do not try to cook too many meringues at once, or they will stick together.

7. Simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until the egg whites are set.  Remove from the water and drain on clean kitchen towel.  Arrange the drained egg white mounds on the cooled custard and refrigerate.

8. If desired, before serving, drizzle with caramelized sugar or sprinkle with sifted cocoa powder.

Tips:

To make enough caramelized sugar to drizzle over the mounds: Heat 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small heavy skillet over medium-high heat, shaking the skillet occasionally to heat the sugar evenly.  when the sugar begins to melt, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely melted and golden brown (about 5 minutes more).