Beyond Macarons: Easy Raspberry Meringue Kisses for a Charming Blue & White Afternoon Tea Picnic
Are you searching for a delightful dessert that rivals the elegance of French macarons but is remarkably simpler to prepare? Look no further than these exquisite Raspberry Meringue Kisses. Imagine light, crisp shells, delicately chewy within, encasing a vibrant raspberry cream cheese filling. These gluten-free wonders are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate, perfect for adding a touch of playful sophistication to any gathering.
Join us on a journey as we host a truly enchanting blue and white-themed summer afternoon tea picnic. We carefully chose a serene, shaded spot beneath the graceful boughs of our weeping willow tree, transforming it into a picturesque outdoor haven. Our table was adorned with a beautiful collection of sparkling silver and charmingly nostalgic blue and white china, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. These ethereal Meringue Kisses were a highlight of our lovely dessert spread, inviting guests to savor every moment.
There’s something uniquely special about gathering with cherished friends, pouring a fragrant cup of tea, and indulging in delectable treats in a beautiful setting. This afternoon tea picnic was exactly that – a perfect blend of good food, warm company, and the gentle beauty of a summer’s day.
Hello, wonderful friends! After a short hiatus from the blog, during which I’ve been immersed in a thrilling food project I can’t wait to share with you in a few months, I’m absolutely delighted to return with our very first picnic adventure of the year. This particular event was truly memorable, and I’m so eager to share all the details, especially our delightful Raspberry Meringue Kisses recipe.
This magical summer afternoon tea picnic came to life when we reunited with our dear foodie partners-in-crime, Nicoletta and Loreto. We convened under the enchanting weeping willow tree in our yard, a spot that always lends itself to a whimsical atmosphere. The weather was nothing short of perfect: the sun cast a warm, bright glow, while a gentle breeze rustled through the hanging willow fronds, providing a natural cooling effect and keeping us perfectly comfortable beneath its shady bower. It was an idyllic setting, seemingly plucked from a storybook, and the ideal backdrop for our blue and white theme.
To enhance the enchanting mood, we lovingly arranged the last of the season’s peonies from our garden. Their glorious lushness and delicate, sweet perfume filled the air, adding another layer of sensory delight to our outdoor tea party. These blossoms, with their soft pink hues, provided a beautiful contrast to our chosen blue and white color scheme, yet blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
One of the joys of hosting this picnic was curating our table decor. We gathered a charming collection of mismatched, antique china, all unified by beautiful shades of blue and white patterns. Each plate and cup told its own story, contributing to a unique and heartfelt aesthetic. The crowning jewel was a stunning silver tea set I discovered at a local thrift store. With a bit of elbow grease, polishing it to a brilliant shine, it transformed into a true treasure, adding a touch of refined elegance to our rustic outdoor setting. This blend of old-world charm and personal touches truly brought our blue and white theme to life.
To further enhance the table’s cozy elegance, we layered white linens beneath delicate lace placemats, lovingly crocheted by my mother. These handmade touches infused the setting with warmth and a sense of cherished tradition. Our magnificent silver 3-tiered cake stand became the centerpiece, laden with an array of mouthwatering teatime fare. And for a whimsical flourish, a charming little Dutch cow creamer added a touch of playful character, perfectly embodying the relaxed yet refined spirit of our afternoon.
A Proper Afternoon Tea in the Garden: Our Delectable Menu
Following the cherished traditions of an English afternoon tea, we began our culinary journey. First, we offered a choice of robust black tea or soothing herbal tea, poured steaming hot into our pretty cups. With napkins spread neatly on our laps, we embarked on the delightful ritual of nibbling from the bottom tier of the cake stand upwards. The savory course commenced with exquisite tea sandwiches: delicate chicken salad, brightened with pops of sweet strawberries and poppyseeds, served on soft white bread and charmingly tied with a fresh green chive ribbon. Alongside these, we savored creamy cream cheese sandwiches, generously layered with luscious smoked dilly salmon on wholesome whole wheat bread. (For another fantastic option, these Coronation chicken salad sandwiches would be equally wonderful.) Nicoletta’s freshly baked cheese gougères were an instant hit, devoured with eager enthusiasm by all of us. We even made sure to save a special one for Pippa, our beloved resident tea-party-loving Labrador retriever, who always appreciates a gourmet treat!
Ascending to the next level of our cake stand, we discovered the quintessential afternoon tea scone selection. This included both classic flaky English scones and tender, delicate gluten-free fruit scones, studded with sweet currants. To accompany these, we offered an indulgent array of accompaniments: rich, homemade clotted cream, vibrant fresh strawberry jam made from this year’s abundant crop, and a most deliciously tart and velvety ruby-red rhubarb butter. Each bite was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the warm, crumbly scone to the smooth, fruity spreads.
The dessert tier presented an enticing array of miniature delights. There were tiny custard tarts, each one brimming with a medley of fresh, colorful berries. Of course, our star attraction, the delicate Raspberry Meringue Kisses (with the recipe detailed below), captivated everyone with their charm. We also offered fresh raspberries, each meticulously filled with a dollop of rich, fudgy chocolate ganache, providing a luxurious burst of flavor. Slices of a unique chocolate & biscuit ‘salami’ offered a playful texture, and a lovely miniature poppyseed layer cake, generously frosted with a light and airy blueberry chantilly cream, completed our sweet symphony. It was a true celebration of summer flavors and textures, designed to delight every guest.
For a truly authentic and comfortable experience, we set the table with a luncheon-sized plate at each place setting. This larger plate was designated for the scones and desserts. On top of it, we placed a smaller bread plate, which was used first for the savory course, ensuring a proper progression through the traditional afternoon tea courses.
A Blue & White Afternoon Tea Menu
There’s an undeniable magic when a blue & white Afternoon Tea is served outdoors, especially beneath the serene embrace of a weeping willow tree. The natural beauty of the setting perfectly complements the elegant simplicity of the theme, creating an unforgettable experience.
BLUE & WHITE AFTERNOON TEA PICNIC MENU
Savouries
Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Smoked Dill Salmon and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches
Cheese Gougères
Scones
English Scones
Gluten-Free Fruit Scones
Homemade Clotted Cream, Strawberry Jam, & Rhubarb Butter
Sweets
Mini Custard Berry Tarts
Raspberry Meringue Kisses & Ganache-Filled Fresh Raspberries
Poppyseed Cake with Blueberry Chantilly Cream
Chocolate Salami Slices
Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries
Beverages
Wild Blueberry Black Tea
Meadow Blossom Herbal Tea
Saskatoon Berry Juice
Lemon Water
More than just a meal, afternoon tea is an experience designed to transport you to another world—a gentler, more peaceful realm where the stresses of daily life are momentarily set aside. It’s an occasion to unearth your most treasured dishes, whether they’re antique heirlooms or beloved thrift store finds, and pair them with your prettiest linens. They don’t have to perfectly match; what truly matters is that they bring a smile to your face and add a personal touch to the gathering.
Ultimately, it’s about pausing, taking a deep breath, and making time to savor delicious nibbles and engage in wonderful conversation with the special people in your life. In our fast-paced modern world, this kind of intentional connection and enjoyment is something we all deeply need and deserve. I truly challenge you to take that first step. Whether you start small by inviting a single friend over for a cup of tea and a scone, or you decide to pull out all the stops and host a grand afternoon tea picnic for a larger group, the joy and connection you’ll create will be immeasurable. Embrace the tradition, and make new memories!
It’s Tea Time!
More Delightful Picnic Inspirations
We genuinely adore hosting picnics! What could be a more perfect way to spend quality time with friends than in a beautiful outdoor setting, sharing delicious food and making cherished memories? If you’ve been inspired by our blue and white afternoon tea, you’ll love exploring our other picnic adventures.
Discover a wealth of mouthwatering recipes and creative inspiration, along with plenty of practical tips to help you host your very own unforgettable afternoon tea party or picnic:
- Gluten-Free Victoria Sponge Cake and a Lovely Summer Afternoon Tea Picnic
- Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches and a Perfect Afternoon Tea Picnic
- Butter Pecan Bars and a Glowing Afternoon Tea Picnic in the Orchard
- Gluten-Free Sausage Rolls and a Glorious Autumn Picnic
- Homemade Tomato Soup and a Late Fall Picnic by the Lake
- Lemon Mousse and a Fun & Games Picnic
- Scotch Eggs and a Scottish Picnic at the River
And for another perspective on our charming blue and white afternoon tea picnic, don’t forget to visit Nicoletta and Loreto’s wonderful blog, SugarLoveSpices. You’ll find their tempting Cheese Gougères recipe and their unique story of our delightful day!
Now for the Easy Raspberry Meringue Kisses Recipe
These sweet little meringue kisses offer a delightful balance of light, crispy shells with a satisfyingly chewy interior, all bursting with bright, tangy raspberry flavor. What’s not to love? They share a delicate elegance akin to French macarons, yet are significantly easier to master, making them a fantastic choice for home bakers. You might also find them reminiscent of Italian Baci di Dama cookies, but reimagined in a playful berry form. Each Raspberry Meringue Kiss is truly the taste of summer encapsulated in two sweet mouthfuls, often shaped to resemble two lips poised for a juicy kiss. They are the perfect, eye-catching addition to any afternoon tea party or dessert spread, guaranteed to impress with their charm and deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
The secret to the intense, natural berry flavor in these Raspberry Meringue Kisses lies in the use of freeze-dried raspberry powder. This clever ingredient provides a concentrated burst of fruitiness without adding any unwanted moisture to the delicate meringue or the creamy filling, which is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. While raspberry is our favorite, you could certainly experiment with freeze-dried strawberry powder for a different but equally delicious twist.
Freeze-dried fruit powder is becoming more readily available and can often be purchased online or found in specialty baking stores. If you can only find whole freeze-dried raspberries, don’t worry! You can easily make your own powder by grinding them in a blender or a dedicated spice grinder. Just be sure to grind them in short bursts to avoid over-processing and then pass the powder through a fine-meshed sieve to remove any lingering seeds, ensuring a smooth, refined powder for your meringues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Raspberry Meringue Kisses
Making these elegant Raspberry Meringue Kisses is a rewarding process that’s simpler than you might think. The key to perfect meringues lies in careful whipping and gentle folding. Begin by whipping your egg whites with sugar until they reach a stiff, glossy peak. This robust meringue forms the foundation of our crispy shells. If you’re using whole freeze-dried raspberries, remember to grind them in short bursts – just enough to pulverize the fruit flesh while leaving the tiny seeds intact. Then, pass this ground powder through a fine-meshed sieve to achieve a smooth, seedless powder. Once your meringue is ready, gently fold the vibrant raspberry powder and fine almond flour into the beaten egg whites. This step requires a light hand to maintain the meringue’s airy volume.
Once your beautifully tinted meringue batter is ready, it’s time to pipe it into charming little kisses onto your parchment-lined baking sheets. Aim for small, uniform rounds to ensure even baking. To achieve that signature smooth meringue top and prevent over-browning, we bake these delicate cookies at a low temperature. A clever trick for home bakers is to use a technique called “double-panning” – placing your primary cookie sheet on top of another identical or slightly larger one. This provides an extra layer of insulation, preventing the bottoms of your meringues from browning too quickly or becoming too crisp, ensuring a perfectly pale and delicately chewy result.
While your meringue shells are cooling, you can prepare the luscious raspberry cream cheese filling. This can be quickly whipped up in a mixer or by hand until smooth and creamy. For an extra layer of texture and intensified berry flavor, I love to stir in a few finely crumbled pieces of freeze-dried raspberries into the filling. Once both components are ready and cooled, pipe a generous dollop of the creamy filling onto one meringue shell, then gently cap it with another, forming these adorable “kiss” sandwich cookies. The magic truly happens after a few hours (or overnight) in a sealed container, as the meringue shells subtly absorb some moisture from the filling, transforming their texture to a delightful chewiness in the center. This slight softening creates the perfect contrast to their crisp exterior, making each bite utterly irresistible.
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Guten Appetit!
Raspberry Meringue Kisses
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Equipment
- piping bag or ziptop bag
- 2 cookie sheets
- parchment paper
Ingredients
for the raspberry meringues:
- 2 large egg whites
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberry powder (or ~15 grams whole freeze-dried raspberries, ground to a powder and sieved)
- 1 drop of pink gel food colour, optional
- 1¼ cups (125 g) finely ground blanched almond flour
for the raspberry filling:
- ½ package (125 g/4 oz) full-fat regular cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ½ cup (65 g) icing sugar/powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberry powder (or ~15 grams whole freeze-dried raspberries, ground to a powder and sieved)
Instructions
to make the raspberry meringues:
- Preheat the oven to 275℉ (140℃). Line a large cookie sheet (preferably light-coloured metal) with parchment paper. Have another cookie sheet the same size or slightly larger ready.
- Beat the egg whites with the salt until foamy. Gradually add in the sugar, beating until the meringue is stiff and glossy, about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla.
- On low speed, beat in the corn starch and raspberry powder, until evenly blended in. Add a drop of pink gel colouring, if desired.
- Fold in the almond flour by hand or on the lowest speed of the mixer.
- Scrape the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (¼”-½”) or into a large heavy-duty ziptop plastic bag, and snip off one corner.
- Pipe the batter into small even rounds (1¼”/3 cm in diameter), 1″ (2.5 cm) apart. Wet your finger and dab off the excess moisture, then use the dampened finger to pat down the peak at the center of each cookie, re-wetting your finger as needed (if your finger is dripping wet, it will make the center of the cookie bake up with uneven, rough texture).
- Slide the baking pan into the second pan, so the bottom of the pan is doubled up (to insulate it and prevent excess browning of the bottom of the cookies).
- Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or just until you see the edges of some of the outer cookies turning a pale golden colour – you don’t want any browning of the cookies.
- Remove from the oven, and cool the cookies in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully peel them off the parchment paper and cool completely on a cooling rack.
make the raspberry filling:
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in the icing sugar and raspberry powder and beat until evenly distributed and creamy.
- Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a ¼” (.5 cm) round tip, or into a heavy-duty plastic ziptop with the corner snipped off.
fill the meringue kisses:
- When the meringue shells are completely cooled, match them up into same-sized pairs. Pipe a generous dollop of raspberry filling onto one cookie and top with the other cookie. Squeeze them gently together until the filling comes even with the outer edges of the cookies.
- The cookies are best served after a few hours (or overnight) in a sealed container, to allow the meringue shells to absorb some of the filling and soften slightly, getting more chewy in the center.
Notes
A 30-gram (1-oz) package of freeze-dried whole raspberries will make about 4 tablespoons of powder when ground.
You can stir a few finely crushed freeze-dried whole raspberries into the filling for added texture, if you wish.
These cookies will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks or can be frozen (filled) for up to 3 months.