A dinner party-worthy dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Homemade Meringue with Spiced Fresh Fruit

5 egg whites
Pinch cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
3 cups fresh fruit (berries, pineapple, mango)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground star anise
2 tbsp vanilla sugar or 1/2 cup icewine
1-2 fresh basil leaves

1)    Place the egg whites in the mixer and whip on high speed.  
2)    Mix the cream of tartar into the sugar and gradually add to the whipping egg whites.  
3)    Once the egg whites reach a stiff peak.  Transfer into a piping bag and pipe out small nest of meringue on a baking tray lined with wax paper.  
4)    Place in a 180F oven until the firm to the touch.  
5)    Turn of the oven, open the oven doors slightly and leave to cool.  Store in a dry cool area.  
6)    Place the fresh fruit into a bowl. Add the spices, sugar and basil. Mix evenly and serve inside of the meringues.

Serves 4.

Courtesy Jason Parsons
www.peller.com