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Saturday, February 12, 2011

Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses—Happy Valentines Day

Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses 

I don’t need a dozen of roses for Valentine’s Day.  Just give me a few of these Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses and I’ll be a very happy girl (my hubby should be really happy, too, when he reads this post).  But really, who needs roses when you have something so beautiful and delicious like this, all-in-one?!  In fact, not just me, my kids love these meringue cookies a lot as well.  Especially, when they get to help out in the dipping process.  End results?  Beautiful Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses, and melted chocolate all over their hands and faces.  Well, that’s really the fun part for them.  :)

Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses

These Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses are crisp, airy and flavorful.  I added some freeze dried strawberries that I found in Trader Joe’s and they enhanced the flavor of these cookies tremendously.  I didn’t have any strawberry flavor extract at home, so, these freeze dried fruit is perfect for this recipe.  Plus, I think the real fruit always tastes better than extract.  I really love the tangy flavor from the strawberries. 
 Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses

It’s never too late to make some of these beauties for your Valentine.  Hope you all have a wonderful and romantic time with your loved ones.  Happy Valentine’s Day!













Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses: Printable Recipe

Makes: 28 2-inch cookies


3 large egg whites
1 package (3 ounces) Strawberry Jell-O
1/4 cup caster sugar
1/4 cup freeze dried strawberries
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Chips (for dipping, I used bittersweet chocolate here)

Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Grind freeze dried strawberries and sugar in a food processor until powdery. Set aside.

Place the egg whites in a large bowl and with an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on medium until frothy. Pour the Jell-O, and strawberry mixture into the bowl in a slow, steady stream. Turn mixer on high and continue to beat until the egg whites are stiff and shiny, about 5 minutes.  Add vanilla extract until just combined.

Scrape the meringue into a pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip and pipe the cookies onto the lined baking sheets.  Starting in the middle and make 2 full circles, about 2-inch in diameter and 1 1/2-inch apart. 

Bake the meringues until they are firm, about 2 hours. Turn off the oven and leave them in there overnight.

In a microwave heated bowl, melt your favorite chocolate chips on high.  Stirring chocolate in 30 second interval until chocolate chips are just melted.  Slightly cool melted chocolate before dipping the bottom of the meringue roses and place them on a lined baking pan.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until chocolate firmed up.


95 comments:

  1. OMG!OMG!this looks just like pink roses...wow...wish I was living close to u...have a great sunday.

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  2. Roses are very cliche! Your desserts really would make a better gift!

    Follow my adventures in Kuantan, Malaysia at:

    www.duncaninkuantan.blogspot.com

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  3. These look absolutely lovely! :)

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  4. While roses are beautiful to look at these are just as beautiful and would probably taste much better. My kind of gift!

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  5. They look so good! My boys love meringues. I've never added freeze dried fruit to them before. Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. They look so pretty, Amy, and look delicious too!..Christine

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  7. These are beautiful, and I bet they are delicious too! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  8. These are lovely Amy, I'm sure your husband will love them. Happy Valentines Day!
    -Gina-

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  9. Amy you are a true artist. They look fantastic.

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  10. I was looking around at the Sweets for a Saturday party and your photos definitely stood out. Really beautiful!

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  11. These are so pretty ... what a lovely idea for a Valentine's gift or treat!

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  12. I think your rose meringue deserved the best Valentine's day sweets ever! I came from the Sweets for a Saturday party as well.

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  13. OMG Amy these are absolutely beauty!! love your blog! Im following you!!x gloria

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  14. This is my new favorite blog! Your photos are beautiful and each item is more delicious looking than the last. These look absolutely yummy and so gorgeous for V-day! The freeze-dried strawberries were ingenious! I will be stopping by often...thanks for introducing yourself to me on my blog. Happy Sunday!

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  15. These look amazing!! I wish I could make these :(
    but I can't!!!
    LOVE your blog, every dish you've made looks amazing :) By the way, love your new house kitchen. I wish I had more room!!!
    Thank you so much for dropping by my blog!!! I'm a new follower and can't wait to see more.
    hugs
    Manni
    www.ibakecakes-manni.blogspot.com

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  16. They are sooo pretty. Almost too pretty to eat. You are very talented.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. :)

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  17. Those are so lovely! I poked around a bit and I have got to try your Philly Friendship Bread. That looks so yummy. I bookmarded it and I'm going to come back to see what other delights you have! Thanks!

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  18. Gorgeous Amy! You never cease to amaze me with your creativity and mouth watering recipes!
    Your presentation always invites me in for a closer look. I want to make these and I agree...much better than roses! These are the sweetest little things I've ever seen!

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  19. p.s...thanks for your sweet comments today on my post, oh and I hope you had your sound turned on while there! :)

    p.s.s......happy valentine's day and blessings!
    xoxo

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  20. These are adorable and perfect for Valentines!! You have some really great ideas, so I had to become your newest follower!!

    PS: thanks for your sweet comment on my shortbread post - you should try it! If you love shortbread, you'd love this recipe! It's such a simple, but unique flavor!

    Jade C. @ The Sweet Life

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  21. Isn't it so fun to make food pretty? Yours is gorgeous and if it tastes as good as it looks (have a feeling it does!) it must be heavenly!
    BTW- thanks for your sweet comment on my Valentine food!

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  22. I love these! They look light and delicious. I also think that the freeze dried fruit would be better in them than the artificial flavor- good choice! These will probably be our valentine treat tomorrow- they look like a more healthful treat than many I've seen. :)

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  23. Amy - I thought I'd been around for a while, but I've never ever seen such a recipe. These are just adorabley cute and no doubt are delectable as well. I think maybe I'll have to make me a dozen roses like these for Valentine's Day *-* Amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing! Thanks for your lovely comment on my Valentine pretzel rods too.

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  24. These are beautiful!! What a lovely idea to make the meringues look like roses, and of course the chocolate is the perfect addition. Gotta love chocolate-dipped anything ;-) haha

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  25. amy, these roses are so very beautiful, what a fabulous UNIQUE idea...you are so lovely my dear, so very lovely - thank you so much for visiting me at mangiabella, I love your comments!!! I am playing a bit of catch up on posts, it's been such a full plate these days!!!! going to read more of your posts bella, big hugs to you tonight!!!

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  26. These are really beautiful. I think they'll soon be moving from your kitchen to mine :-). I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  27. I feel like a groupie! Amy, I tried these roses tonight and they were wonderful. I dipped them in white and milk chocolate because thats what I have but they were a smash hit. Thanks...as usual you are adding to my growing list of favorites from Amy that I serve on Sunday to my family. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  28. Now that is my type of flowers!! They are both beautiful and delicious looking! You still have me drooling!! YUM!!

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  29. These are beautiful! I could've sworn they were actual roses!

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  30. Wow! What a fantastic recipe, my dear! And it looks so beautiful:) Thanks so much. I must try it! Happy Valentine's day
    Kisses and hugs

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  31. Cute, I love the roses idea! Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  32. Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog. You have a beautiful blog.

    I love these meringue roses. They are beautiful and sound delicious. Perfect for Valentine's day.

    Happy Valentine's day!

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  33. They look really pretty and would surely bring a smile to the receiver! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  34. Wow Amy! these look so beautiful! I Can't wait to try them!
    Happy Valentine's Day
    amy
    www.healthyfoodshouldtastegood.blogspot.com

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  35. These are so lovely! I'll have to figure out another good day to make roses...not just Valentine's Day. :)

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  36. These are just beautiful and what gorgeous pictures!

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  37. Hi Amy! I just got back from a trip to Florida and saw and opened your package. Thank you so much! The heart is so pretty. Come visit my blog today so you can see how I used it....Christine

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  38. @ Suzanne: Thank you for trying this recipe. I'm glad to hear your family loves it. :) I bet they are just as delicious dipped in white and milk chocolates. hm....maybe I'll try that next.

    @ Christine (xinex): Thank you so much for using the crystal as part of your tablescape's centerpiece. You're talented in tablescape setting. :)

    To everyone else, hope you all had a wonderful and beautiful Valentine's Day. Thank you again for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I love reading all of them!

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  39. OMG- so YUMMY!!! I am your newest follower, hope you will follow me back too - I look forward to reading your future blog posts!!

    http://sweetenedbykagi.blogspot.com/

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  40. You are so artistic. I think these would make gorgeous decorations for cakes or cupcakes. Thanks for linking this great idea up to Sweets for a Saturday.

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  41. I like this version of roses for Valentine's day better than the floral version! These look so delicate and beautiful. I bet the chocolate and meringue together are fantastic! The little rose buds look so pretty.

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  42. What? Are you a professional? These are so beautiful!

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  43. Great photography, with meringue and chocolate what a delight and even sweeter with the strawberry twist.Just divine!I love roses,inside and out, these would be a treat on the dessert menu.

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  44. These are so beautiful!!! I have an opened package for freeze dried strawberries in the pantry and never thought to put them in meringues. I make a similar meringue with jellow and mini-chocolate chips but they are nothing near as pretty as these.

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  45. These are so cute! Almost too pretty to eat!

    Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites last week!

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  46. Hi Amy,
    They are so delicate and elegant looking truly a very special treat. I am going to attempt to make them for an upcoming bridal shower, I will let you know how they turn out. Thank you so much for bringing them to Full Plate Thursday and please come back.

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  47. These look beautiful and I am sure taste wonderful! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Blessings & Aloha!

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  48. Oh my Gosh! The Roses look soooo beautiful! They're even more beautiful than the real roses + it's edible. Yum :) I'm afraid I cannot buy freeze dried strawberries in my country, shall I use dried strawberries intead?

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  49. @ Catalina: If the freeze dried type is not avaliable, you can make you own and here's how.

    1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced

    Preheat oven to 250F. Place the strawberry slices in a single layer on parchment paper lined baking sheet and let them dry in the oven for about one hour. Let them cool completely. Should yield about 1/4 cups.

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  50. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!! I haven't mastered piping frosting at all...you do it perfectly!!!

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  51. hi Amy! this one looks so luscious. i saw this from sweets for a saturday. i hope i could pipe so perfect like you do. they are incredibly beautiful!

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  52. Beautiful job on these...they are just gorgeous.

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  53. Wow these are perfect! Great piping and idea. Happy belated Valentine's day!

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  54. These are just incredible! This is the most beautiful and creative thing I've seen in a while. I'm so so impressed.

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  55. ahhh these are so sweet! My man would LOVE these!

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  56. First time coming to your blog, really attracted by this lovely meringue cookies!

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  57. @ Ah Tze: Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. Feel free to browse around and I hope you'll come back soon. :)

    Amy

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  58. I love meringues and these are so beautiful. I must try them.
    Lovely post, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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  59. I'll be making these for a dinner party next week but I'm not sure how many days in advance I can make them (if I store them in an airtight container)?
    Oh, and thanks for visiting my blog! :)

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  60. How lovely! They are adorable, I love the last photo. There's a fun contest called "Think Pink" going over at Maison Cupcake
    http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/rhubarb-raspberry-pavlova/
    and these would be just perfect for that!

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  61. @Marlene: Great choice to make for a party. For sure you're going to "wow" your guests! ;)

    These meringue cookies are good in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I know they don't like rainy days (=moisture). If you want to make them ahead, I suggest you might want to bake them for an extra 30 minutes in the oven just to make sure they are super dry. That way, they will stay dry longer even after dipping into the chocolate. Have fun making them. :)

    @ Cristina: Thanks for letting me know about "Think Pink" contest. I'm going to hop over to check that out.

    Amy

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  62. @ Amy: thanks so much for your advice. I'll make them 2 days in advance and dip them in chocolate the day I need them. I'll let you know how they turned out.
    If they look even half as pretty as yours my guests will be totally "wowed"! :)

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  63. @ Marlene: You're very welcome. I'm sure your cookies will turn out beautiful and delicious. :) I'm pretty new at piping cookies and cream myself. But practice makes perfect. ;) I look forward to hearing from you on how your party goes.

    Amy

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  64. They look delicious. I love their design and the pink colour. Thanks for sharing!

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  65. Absolutely, drop dead gorgeous and I know they would melt in my mouth. I hope I don't end up with two comments. For some reason it didn't take the first time.

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  66. This is so pretty! I will have to try this for sure ^_^

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  67. Hello
    Thanx for the recipe. Im sure gonna try it ASAP
    But can I make it and store it??? And for how long would it stay good to eat??
    Thanxx

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  68. @ Reme: As long as you store them in an air tight container, they last for quite a long time. But it depends on the humidity in your area too. Los Angeles is quite dry so these cookies store well. But if you're not eating them right the way (I pre-made them for parties as well), you might want to dip the chocolate as late as possible. If the meringue cookies (not coated with chocolate) got soften because of moisture, you can reheat them in the oven at 200F degree for 10-15 minutes and they'll crisp up again. Hope it helps.

    Amy

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  69. I will definitely have to try these!! How beautiful!! I'm now happily your newest follower - via mybakingaddiction.

    Visit my blog:
    www.welcometomontalvocountry.blogspot.com

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  70. These look amazing and I really want to make them for valentines but I'm a little new with cooking - is that strawberry jello in powder form when I'm adding it?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. Yes, these are perfect for Valentine's Day or any special celebrations. You are correct, the Strawberry Jello is on powder form, straight from the box. :) For this type of cookies (meringue), you want to keep the batter as dry as possible to achieve the light and crisp texture. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. :) Have fun baking. Hope you'll like them. Let me know how they turn out after you've tried them.

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  71. Alright. Thank you!! :D

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  72. I'm dying to make this... Is there a substitute for the freeze dried strawberries? Where would I find this?

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    Replies
    1. I got my freeze dried strawberries from Trader Joe's. I saw my local Target and Whole Foods carry them as well. Otherwise, you can always get them online here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDGBDI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=a0464-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EDGBDI

      Another way is to make your own from scratch. Simply hulled and thinly sliced 1/2 a cup of fresh strawberries. Preheat oven to 250 degree F. Place the strawberry slices in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and let them dry in the oven for about one hour. Let them cool completely before use.

      Hope it helps. Let me know if you have other questions. :) Have fun baking.

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  73. Oh Wow! Another beautiful post that I like. I don't mind having these strawberry meringues roses for Valentine's day than a dozen a roses too. These will definitely melt my heart! I don't think I even want to eat them. They look sooo LOVELY! Great Valentine post ! :)

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  74. OMG!!! Just found this recipe this year and made them (minus the chocolate) for the table I hosted at our annual women's tea at church. ADDICTED. I couldn't stop eating them. Came back for the recipe today to make more for the dessert table I'm putting together for a baby shower tomorrow. I hope enough of them make it there. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for letting me know they turn out wonderful and you like them. Yes, these are quite addictive. :) Really appreciate you try the recipe and took the time to let me know you've tried, much appreciated. Wish you a good time and have fun at the baby shower tomorow.

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  75. I made these today and they came out great. Really cute and easy to make. I found the dried strawberries at Stop and Shop. Thank you so much for the recipe. I really loved it.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for trying the recipe and I'm so glad you loved it. :) Yes, I love how simple it is to make but looks so elegant. :) The freeze dried strawberries are getting more popular now. I even saw them in Target. :) Thanks for taking the time to stop by and let me know you've tried the recipe. Really appreciate it.

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  76. Looks exactly like I am bakers rose cookies. you should say that you got your idea from someone else when you copy them.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amber, first of all, thank you for stopping by and leaving me a comment. Thanks to your comment, I went to do a little research on I am Baker's rose cookies. If you take a closer look, my post was published back in February of 2011 and her rose cookie was published in May of 2011. Unless I can travel in time or foresee the future (I wish), otherwise, how in the world that I "copy" her idea? Besides my recipe here is meringue cookie, not a regular cookie with rose frosting on top. Hope I clear that out. Have a happy Sunday!

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  77. In couple words: these looks fantastic!

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  78. I want to make this but can I substitute strawberries for the extract? Thank you so much and they look so pretty :)

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    Replies
    1. The Strawberry Jell-o already has strawberry flavor/extract in it. So, the freeze dried strawberries are for real flavors and a little tartness that the extract won't offer. I know Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Target all carry them. If you can't find them in the stores, you can always get them online.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDGBDI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=a0464-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EDGBDI


      Otherwise, you can simply omit it. But the flavor will be different. I don't recommend adding more extract as meringue cookies doesn't like too much moisture. Hope it helps.

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  79. Wow Amy what a beautiful flowers . love it. Am following u ,Glad if u will follow me back
    www.cookingatmaylower.blogspot.com

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  80. These are absolutely lovely!! I want to make these for my sister's bridal shower! :D
    Do you know if you can make these in advance and freeze them in the freezer until the day you need them?

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    Replies
    1. Great choice! These would be lovely for bridal showers and congratulations to your sister and your family.

      However, I don't recommend storing these meringue cookies in the freezer. They need to be kept dry to stay crispy. If you store them in the freezer, the condensation will make them sticky while you take them out to serve.

      The good news is, you can still make them a day or two ahead. Just keep them in an air tight container at room temperature along with a few packages of the moisture absorbing packages such as these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYL38O2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DYL38O2&linkCode=as2&tag=a0464-20&linkId=CWTZDXPQPCKUIG2X).

      I hope it helps! Have fun baking and please let me know if you have other questions.

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  81. I just made these but they turned out quite sticky and stuck to the parchment paper. Not sure what I did wrong?

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  82. I just made these but they turned out quite sticky and stuck to the parchment paper. Not sure what I did wrong?

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    Replies
    1. It it feels sticky, it means that the meringue is not completely dried up yet. You can bake them at the same temperature for an additional 15-30 minute. Where I live is very low on humidity. I do have to bake them longer if I make these on rainy days. Hope it helps.

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