When you find yourself with just sugar and eggs in your kitchen, it might seem like your dessert options are limited. However, these two simple ingredients can be the foundation for a variety of delightful treats. From classic custards to airy meringues, sugar and eggs can come together in many delicious ways. In this article, we’ll explore several desserts you can make with just these two ingredients, delve into their variations, and provide detailed steps on how to create them.
1. Meringue
Classic Meringue
Meringue is a dessert made primarily from whipped egg whites and sugar. It’s light, airy, and can be used as a topping for pies, baked into cookies, or even enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggs: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature. This helps them whip up more easily and achieve more volume.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, start whipping the egg whites using an electric mixer. Begin on a low speed and gradually increase to medium-high.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Once the egg whites start to foam, begin adding the sugar slowly, one tablespoon at a time. This helps the sugar dissolve and prevents the meringue from becoming grainy.
- Whip to Stiff Peaks: Continue to whip the mixture until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the meringue stands up straight and doesn’t droop.
- Shape and Bake: You can spoon or pipe the meringue onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 225°F (110°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until they are dry and crisp.
- Cool Completely: Allow the meringues to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This prevents them from cracking due to a sudden change in temperature.
Variations:
- French Meringue: The method described above is a classic French meringue. It’s uncooked and can be used for folding into batters or piping into shapes.
- Swiss Meringue: For a more stable meringue, you can use the Swiss method. Heat the egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until the sugar dissolves, then whip until stiff peaks form.
- Italian Meringue: This involves pouring hot sugar syrup into whipped egg whites, creating a glossy and stable meringue that’s perfect for buttercreams or as a topping for pies.
2. Custard
Basic Egg Custard
Custard is another classic dessert made with eggs and sugar. It’s smooth, creamy, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of milk (optional, for variation)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Heat Milk (Optional): If using milk, heat it in a saucepan until it’s just below boiling. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
- Bake Custard: Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or a baking dish. Place the dish in a larger baking pan and add hot water to the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake: Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the custard to cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon if desired.
3. Sponge Cake
Simple Sponge Cake
A sponge cake is another dessert that can be made with eggs and sugar. It’s light, fluffy, and serves as a perfect base for a variety of toppings and fillings.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- Optional: flour for a more traditional sponge cake
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume. This can take about 8-10 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Fold in Flour (Optional): If using flour, sift it over the egg mixture and gently fold it in, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Flan
Traditional Flan
Flan is a rich, creamy dessert with a caramel topping, made primarily from eggs and sugar.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (optional)
- 1 can of evaporated milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Caramel: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Pour the caramel into a flan mold or individual ramekins, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a blender, combine the eggs, remaining sugar, condensed milk, and evaporated milk (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the caramel. Place the mold in a larger baking dish and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the mold.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the flan to cool, then refrigerate until chilled. To serve, run a knife around the edge of the mold and invert onto a plate.
SEE ALSO: What Can I Make with Graham Crackers and Vanilla Pudding?
5. Pavlova
Classic Pavlova
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, marshmallow-like interior, often topped with whipped cream and fruit.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for stability)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip the egg whites. Add the vinegar or lemon juice if using.
- Shape Pavlova: Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a circle, creating a slight indent in the center for toppings.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meringue is dry and crisp on the outside. Turn off the oven and allow the pavlova to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit before serving.
6. Egg White Omelette (Sweet Variation)
Sweet Egg White Omelette
A sweet omelette might sound unusual, but it’s a light and fluffy dessert that can be made quickly with just eggs and sugar.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- Optional: fruits, syrups, or spices for flavor
Instructions:
- Whip Egg Whites: In a bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Cook Omelette: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour the whipped egg whites into the skillet and cook until the bottom is set and lightly golden.
- Fold and Serve: Carefully fold the omelette in half and slide onto a plate. Serve with fresh fruit, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
7. Egg Yolk Cookies
Simple Egg Yolk Cookies
If you have leftover egg yolks from making meringue, you can use them to make a batch of rich, buttery cookies.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until well combined. If using, add softened butter and mix until smooth.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
With just sugar and eggs, you have the foundation to create a variety of delicious desserts. From the airy meringues and creamy custards to the light sponge cakes and rich flans, these two simple ingredients can transform into an array of delightful treats. By mastering these basic recipes, you can easily expand your dessert repertoire and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Experiment with variations, add your favorite flavors, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts.
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