Rosewater Meringues with Raspberry Sauce and Cream – Gluten Free

If you’re going to be vain, you have to have a very high pain threshold.

A few weeks ago I went to a dentist for a long overdue overhaul.  While pretty much unable to speak due to my tongue and both sides of my mouth being numb, I decided to mention, through slurred and barely comprehensible speech, that I had been thinking about having my teeth whitened.

A dessert for Valentine's Day

A dessert for Valentine’s Day


The dentist didn’t hesitate before saying, ‘Well; you are very low down on the colour palette’.  Very low down?  I had no idea my smile was so offensive.  And what a sales pitch!  Who would walk out without making an appointment with a phrase like that!  He went on to tell me that I could purchase a ‘take-home kit’ where I’d get okay results or I could come in for an intensive treatment and end up with a much better result.

Just out of the oven

Just out of the oven

Reeling from the ‘low-down’ comment I blurted out that clearly I needed the most intensive treatment available.  Ten sleeps.  That was the earliest I could book in for the treatment.  During that time I became obsessed with my teeth and smiled only reluctantly.  Carl asked, ‘What are you doing?  There’s nothing wrong with your teeth’.  I said, ‘Are you blind?  I’m low-down on the colour palette’.

Covered in edible flowers and sparkling glitter

Covered in edible flowers and sparkling glitter

The dental nurse told me it was a procedure involving the application of the peroxide and then they would apply intensive lights to enhance the application that would be on for 20-minute intervals and probably just three applications would be all that was required.  ‘So bring a DVD because we’ll lie you back in the chair and you can relax and watch a movie’.

Now that sounded like a great day out.  I went to the DVD store and selected Blue Jasmine, a movie I’ve been wanting to watch for a long time.  Love Cate Blanchett.  Anyway, they laid me back in the chair and put the separators in and applied all this stuff and then this light came towards me and connected to something in my mouth.  Then they turned it on and told me to enjoy the movie.  Only it had already been playing for 10 minutes minus the sound and so I’d missed the set-up.  Hate that.

And then they turned on the sound but it was too soft so I couldn’t hear it and they’d put glasses on me to block the bright light but they were fogging up and so I couldn’t even see if Cate Blanchett was on screen.

Sandwiched with raspberry sauce and whipped cream

Sandwiched with raspberry sauce and whipped cream

The first 20-minutes of treatment was okay.  They then switched off the light and reapplied the solution and put the light on again.  But now I was feeling sensations that weren’t pleasant.  Every now and then it was like an electric shock went through the nerve centre of one of my teeth.  And it was unpredictable.  I couldn’t prepare myself as I had no idea when the shock might occur.

After Round Two they asked me how I was feeling.  As I couldn’t talk I indicated that I’d like a pen and a piece of paper.  I told them I was getting electric shock sensations in my teeth.  They told me I could stop the treatment and go home with some whitening solution to finish off the procedure, or I could do the third round that would give me a better result.  If I wasn’t so vain it would have been an easy decision.  But that’s the problem.  I didn’t want a good result I wanted a great result.

So I indicated that I’d go ahead with the third round.  I didn’t get as many electric shocks during that round of treatment but the few I did get lasted longer and were more intense.  They did have a very good dental nurse who kept letting me know just how many more minutes I had to endure.

I thought that once the treatment was finished the pain and sensation would finish too.  Ahhh, but no.  I was advised I’ll have this sensitivity for another 24-48 hours and was told to take some Panadol.  In that time I can’t have anything that will stain my teeth.  So that’s no tea, coffee, berries, sauce, soy sauce, or tomatoes.  And here’s the killer – no red wine.  Never mind, I’ll make mine a G&T.

Decorated in edible flowers and red glitter

Decorated in edible flowers and red glitter

When the nerves in my teeth settle down, I’ll look forward to sharing with you my smile, that is now off the colour palette!

Taking my eyes off myself for just a moment, I realised it’s very nearly Valentine’s Day.  My Alfie was due on Valentine’s Day but let me down and arrived over a week later.  In this house we don’t do a lot to celebrate the day apart from a date-night that usually involves a movie and dinner.  But I do like to cook something those I love will enjoy and these rosewater meringues are exactly what my loved-ones will enjoy.

Rosewater Meringues with Raspberry Sauce and Cream

Rosewater Meringues with Raspberry Sauce and Cream

Rosewater Meringues with Raspberry Sauce and Cream

Makes:  12 meringues (but six serves)

Degree of Difficulty:  2/5

Cost:  Meringues would have to be one of the best desserts for the price ever.  They can be made for just a few dollars.

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup castor sugar
  • 2 tspns cornflour
  • 1 tspn rosewater
  • 1 tspn white vinegar
  • 1/2 tspn vanilla extract
  • a few drops pink food dye
  • a sprinkle of dried edible flowers
  • a sprinkle of red edible glitter

For the Raspberry Sauce:

  • 300gms frozen raspberries
  • 2 tbspns castor sugar
  • 2 tspns cornflour mixed in 1 tbspn warm water

For the Cream:

  • 300mls thickened cream

Preheat oven to 120C (250F).

Line a baking tray with baking paper.  Use an upturned glass and a pencil to create 12 circles approximately 6cms (2.5 inches) in diameter.  Turn baking paper over so no one gets lead poisoning!

In a clean, dry bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Gradually add sugar, 1 tbspn at a time.  Continue to beat until the mixture is thick and glossy.  Add cornflour, rosewater, vinegar, vanilla and food dye and whisk well.

Place mixture into a piping bag with a large star tip nozzle.  Pipe 12 meringues onto the circles.  Sprinkle with edible flowers and then glitter.

Place in oven for 1 hour.  Turn off oven and leave in oven to cool completely.

For the raspberry sauce:

Place raspberries and sugar in a saucepan and heat until sugar has dissolved and raspberries are mushy.  Remove from heat and put mixture through a sieve to remove all seeds.  Return sauce to the saucepan.  Add cornflour and water mixture and stir through.  Continue to stir over a low heat until mixture has thickened.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

For the cream:

Whip cream until stiff peaks form.  Place cream on the base of one meringue and raspberry sauce on the other then join together.

Covered in edible flowers and sparkling glitter

Covered in edible flowers and sparkling glitter

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Comments

  1. Charlie, These meringues are just gorgeous! I still have not yet tried making them so I think I should start off with your pretty ones for Valentines day. Uggh! No red wine… the things we have to endure for beauty… Take Care, BAM

  2. Oh my goodness, what an ordeal, but I’m sure the results are worth it because I’ve tried the home kit and it was ok but you have to wear the guard overnight for what seemed like weeks for better results and that is a pain. These are the prettiest meringues (or anything) that I’ve seen in a long time. Absolutely stunning photos! I would love to be presented with these for Valentine’s Day. Hope you are feeling much better and able to enjoy your food by then. Champagne surely doesn’t stain teeth either?!

  3. Hope you are feeling better, aided by lots of G&T ;o)

  4. ‘Low down on the colour palette’? Obviously they’ve used this line before and they know it works. Carl probably has to wear sunglasses every time you smile now. You’re definitely worth it. It sounds very expensive.

    These meringues are a great Valentine’s Day treat!

  5. Ha! Your dentist needs to be fired! I’ve seen your teeth (albeit in pictures) and they’re beautiful! I asked about whitening my teeth once, my dentist said there was no need. He told me I had lovely teeth and that he had patients whose teeth made a manilla envelope look white! BTW these macaroons are gorgeous!!! xo

  6. I don’t know what to say except I would not have endured such pain. But sometimes we have to do what we think we need to do and hopefully you are pleased with the results. I would question that dentist’s tactics, though.

  7. I can’t stand going to the dentist. It’s the most uncomfortable pain every time – and that’s without cavities and whitening. I can’t imagine sitting through that process! I think I’ll try the at home stuff at some point. Your meringues look wonderful and I’m always up for a raspberry sauce. 🙂

  8. It sounds like it takes quite a bit of dedication to get whiter than white teeth. 🙂 The meringues are lovely with the dried flowers and glitter and even though I’m not too fond of rosewater I’m sure it adds a lovely aroma if used sparingly.

  9. That “low down on the color palette” line is a great sales pitch! But I’m sure you’ll enjoy the results. That “sensitive” toothpaste can help with some of the symptoms. Anyway, this has nothing to do with the lovely meringues you’ve made! They’re gorgeous. Just as I expect your teeth are!

  10. I’ve never made meringues. I’ll have to try now with these!

  11. This makes my heart sing. I adore making rosewater meringue bites.

  12. Wow that dentist needs to work on his pitch for sure – though I bet your teeth look super gorgeous now 😀
    And love these meringues, I would risk many a cavity for them!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  13. What a mission to get your teeth whitened. I avoid the dentist, and would never choose to go voluntarily. We don’t do much for valentines day either but these do look delicious!

  14. Can’t wait to see your white teeth! But the dentist seems to be a little nervy. I’ve never even heard that phrasing before. Oh well. Happy almost Valentine’s Day!

  15. Wow, hope you are feeling better and those gnashers are sparkly white!! The meringues look so pretty and delicate!!

  16. Charlie, I want to see a picture of your pearly whites! You had me laughing so hard! Not because you the torture you went through, but the way you explained the sales pitch and your thought process is hilarious! Your meringues are beauties!!

  17. These meringues are so incredibly pretty. My friend went to have her teeth done and was told she’d need four applications, but that most people didn’t manage more than three as it’s too painful!! I’m sure you’re smile wasn’t off the scale. GG

  18. G’day and oh my goodness Charlie, I would be finding a new dentist as my dentist does not believe in those treatments, true!
    Focusing on your meringues, they are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous too!
    Cheers! Joanne

  19. My mom swears Panadols are far superior in their pain fighting properties than Tylenol is – unfortunately, Panadol is not available here. Hope your pain has subsided – you are one brave lady – I dont think I could make it 8 hrs without coffee, let alone 24hrs!
    These meringues look GORGEOUS – the raspberry sauce incredible!

  20. What a story! My dentist talked me out of it, she said I would hardly notice a difference! So I went to the drug store and bout an over the counter kit, my teeth became ultra sensitive to heat and cold! But like you, I endured until I could take the pain no longer, I still have two treatments left! Sigh, now I just wear deep red lipstick to make them appear whiter.
    These meringues are absolutely beautiful Charlie, I just love the bits of edible flowers you’ve used, so elegant.

  21. What a story… super white teeth on actors and actresses on TV make me really cross… they are so unreal! Glad to see you have made some beautiful meringues!

  22. You just convinced me to find another way to get my teeth whitened. 🙂 What an ordeal! Headphones with music would have been a better idea than trying to watch a movie. I’ve used music for root canals before and it works great. Hope the procedure works for you! What a great idea to go for meringues when you have so many restrictions. I haven’t had a meringue in ages and these look quite delicious!

  23. You really made me laugh, Charlie. You have such a lovely smile, I can’t imagine how bright you must be now! I don’t know how you tolerated the electric shocks. That would completely freak me out. These meringues are gorgeous. Just beautiful. And I think you need to see Blue Jasmine again, without blinders on and hopefully with the sound turned up!

  24. The meringues look pretty high up on the colour palette and I hope your smile is now, and that it was worth it. I don’t think I’ll try that one; glad to be warned.

  25. Can’t wait to see your lovely new smile Charlie! It sounds painful and I have such a fear of sensitivity in my teeth. You’ll have to let us know how it feels and how long it takes to go away.

  26. these are so pretty – as I am sure are your teeth – goodness I hope they are after the pain – not to mention associated pain with blue jasmine – if that takes out the oscars you will be wincing in pain 🙂 I am not a meringue fan – I prefer to admire them from afar – but I live with those who would love me to make them – and I always wonder what to do with leftover egg yolks.

  27. How rude! If being told you are very low down on the colour palette isn’t enough, they then added the proverbial salt to the wound by hurting you! What a horrible experience Charlie. Think I shall opt for the take home kit.
    Love you meringues though!
    🙂 Mandy xo

  28. I just went to the dentist yesterday, it is never a fun experience!! These meringues are so gorgeous, WOW!

  29. Haha, Charlie, your stories are always so funny. I hope your smile is as bright as can be! And these meringues sound delicious. I’ve been afraid to make meringues but i really should give them a shot.

  30. OMG, such a fun post.
    While reading this, I was smiling, showing off my newly acquired Snow White smile.
    Thank heavens it wasn’t as painful as your procedure. Now the problem is that I feel the urge to smile all the time even at a sad movie. Help 🙂

  31. Oh I don’t know if the dentist would approve of these. But how can anyone resist these little beauties. Didn’t realise teeth whitening was a painful procedure.

  32. Charlie these rosewater meringues look absolutely gorgeous. And can’t wait to see your super bright teeth! Sorry to hear it wasn’t very comfortable though!

  33. I’m giggling at the term “low down the colour palette”…what a funny phrase and as you say, guaranteed to get you in for treatment! I suspect your teeth were just fine before but will be dazzling now, and hopefully worth what sounds like a very unpleasant experience. While you’re waiting for the wine, these look like they wouldn’t stain and are absolutely beautiful.

  34. LOL, I am vain enough to have endured that nastiness, too! So glad you have a blinding smile now. And your meringues looks fantastic…even the picky Bill would agree!

  35. LOL!
    The things we do for beauty :0
    That will be my shortly 🙁
    Love your meringues though, very pretty with the floral sprinkling.

  36. Gorgeous meringues! The edible flowers and glitter make them really special.

    I’m still too chicken to have my teeth professionally whitened. I’ve heard too many stories about the sensitivity and the inability to breath through the mouth because the air hurts!

  37. Wonderful treats indeed Charlie, they look gorgeous and I adore rosewater- yummo.
    I wanted that treatment done too but chickened out Charlie! Good for you for persevering and I bet you look even more stunning. I’m not afraid of the dentist, just find the whole in-your-face thing confronting and have been known to pop a valium before going 🙂 To stop my teeth looking worse, I slurp my raw beet and Kale juice through a straw to avoid nasty stains- better than nothing I guess 🙂 xox

  38. these meringues are out of this world!

  39. Wow, are those ever beautiful? What a lovely dessert.

  40. Oh my goodness I had no idea that is how teeth whitening happened! I hope it has settled down by now and your smile is super duper sparkly… Does it last long?

  41. Oooh, I hope you’re ok. My friend Lisa had this procedure done, and had a similar experience in the chair to yours. She told me that afterwards it was worse pain than childbirth – the dentist had to put someone in a taxi to deliver panadeine forte to here. Your meringues look amazing though! 🙂

  42. I had one of those DIY home kits but my teeth were too sensitive (or I was too chicken) and I stopped after one treatment. What a total waste of money. Although I do share your pain – it’s excruciating you obviously have more will power than me. We don’t do Valentines around here but these look pretty enough for any day of the year. I love the glitter AND edible flowers.

  43. At the end of the day, most of us are vain. Adriano took the longer, less painful route and it worked well but did take a while. Do give us a smile when you can. We’d love to be dazzled.
    I love the look of those meringues – they are sooo pretty.

  44. Charlie, these look simply beautiful. And I must remember to wear sunglasses next time I see you – I expect your smile will be even more dazzling than usual!

  45. I always wonder, could you slurp the red wine through a really long straw, so it doesn’t come into contact with the teeth at all? 😀

  46. I’m not so sure I’d go through that, no matter how far down on the color palette my teeth are. A few years ago, friends and I were traveling together to California. One used teeth brightening strips but fell asleep while wearing them. Although he arrived at the airport looking fine, his lips began to swell as our plane made it’s way across the continent. He looked like a clown by the time we arrived. Thankfully, for his sake, his lips were just about normal by the next morning. I say for his sake because none of us wanted to be seen with him. 🙂

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