Modern Apple Meringue and Variations

Ingredients

• 6 medium Apples (Granny Smith or similar tart variety) (For baked apples and apple snow)
• 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (For apple snow and prune whip)
• 8 Large Eggs (Separated, for meringue and apple snow and prune whip)
• 0.33 lb Pitted Prunes (For prune whip)
• 0.5 tablespoon Lemon Juice (For prune whip)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (For boiled custard)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (For boiled custard)
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (For boiled custard)
• 0.125 teaspoon Pinch of Salt (For boiled custard)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact. Place apples in a baking dish with a small amount of water (about 1/4 inch) to prevent sticking. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Let cool slightly.
2. 2In a clean, dry bowl, beat 3 egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. 3Pile the meringue lightly on top of the baked apples. Return to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Cool completely before serving.
4. 4Peel, quarter, and core 4 apples. Steam until soft, then rub through a sieve to create apple pulp (about 3/4 cup). In a clean, dry bowl, beat 3 egg whites until stiff. Gradually add the apple pulp, sweetened to taste with powdered sugar, and continue beating until well combined. Pile lightly into a glass dish and chill.
5. 5Pick over and wash prunes, then soak several hours in cold water to cover. Cook in the same water until soft. Remove stones and rub prunes through a strainer. Add 1/2 cup sugar and cook five minutes; the mixture should be of the consistency of marmalade. Beat 5 egg whites until stiff, add prune mixture gradually when cold, and 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice. Pile lightly on buttered pudding-dish, bake twenty minutes in slow oven (325F).
6. 6In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before serving.
7. 7Serve the apple meringue, apple snow, or prune whip with the boiled custard. All are best served chilled or at room temperature.