parisian party

I’m always on the look-out for French party crafts and recipes that are easy to make with simple ingredients that can be found all over the world. For instance, I found this recipe for meringue hearts in the current Prima magazine, and thought they’d make a great alternative to the traditional sugar cookie favor for a French- or Paris-themed wedding or shower. They looked so delicate, so romantic, so… Frenchy, that I just had to share.

French Meringue Hearts

2 egg whites
1 lb powdered sugar
Crystal sugar
Piping bag with a fine nozzle
Silver dragée beads
Spatula
Parchment paper
Black marker

• To make the meringue, beat the egg whites with the powdered sugar plus 2 tablespoons of water on a low speed for 10 minutes.
• Using the black marker, draw different designs of hearts on the back of the parchment paper (enlarge and print the designs to the right, if you’d like).
• Fill the pastry bag with the meringue, and using a fine tip, trace the design of the hearts onto the front of the paper.
• Decorate the hearts with the silver dragée beads, then sprinkle them generously with crystal sugar, removing any excess when you’ve finished.
• Leave the hearts to dry at least 8 hours.
• Once dry, turn the hearts over with the spatula. Trace the other side with meringue, and then decorate with the silver candies and sugar.

8 hours later, you have a beautiful, delicate treat that will add a touch of La Belle France to any celebration.