Mother’s Day is one
of those occasions that I find most difficult to face since my mother passed
away. Even though I am a mother myself, and my little people always spoil me
something rotten on this day, I can’t but feel desperately lonely. Mother’s Day
always makes me reflect on the past and in turn I yearn for my mother’s busy
kitchen, packed to the brim with chat, delicious food and love. My mother was
one my greatest inspirations in life, and in so many ways I still aspire to make
her proud. For those who are lucky enough cherish the time you spend with your
Mother this Mother’s Day. And for those immersed in grief, even if like me you
are a few years on, let’s take this day as an opportunity to give thanks for
the women who helped to mould us into the people we've become.
Meringues Sandwiched with Lemon Curd & Cream
My mother had a real soft spot for meringues. Whether celebrating or commiserating, meringues seemed to always be a suitable treat. They are so simple to make and I'd happily crunch on them without any topping, however when paired with softly whipped cream and tart lemon curd they really turn into something special. For me, these are the perfect treat to make for Mother’s Day.
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
150g caster sugar
To assemble
150mls cream, whipped
100g lemon curd
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 140°C/ fan 120°C/ gas mark 1. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Place the egg whites into a clean, stainless steel mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk, on a high speed, beat them until they become thick and fluffy.
3. Continue to whisk the egg whites and very gradually add the sugar. Continue to beat for at least 5 minutes, or until the mixture can form stiff peaks.
4. Using a dessert spoon scoop a spoonful of mixture and scrape it off with another spoon onto the lined baking trays. This amount of mixture should make 12 meringues.
5. Place in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After which time turn off the oven and open its door and allow the meringues to cool.
6. When completely cooled sandwich two meringues together with a spoonful of lemon curd and some freshly whipped cream.
17 Comments:
These meringues are just stunning, and your words are very moving. I lost my mom many years ago but the loss still stings.
Thank you so much, Sue. I'm not sure if that 'sting' ever goes away, but as time goes by we just get use to dealing with it a little better. I've been meaning to pop over to your blog! Have a lovely weekend x
Great Post, Nessa. Gorgeous recipe, and beautiful memories of your wonderful Mother, tinged with sadness, like many others. I am so lucky to still have my Mam in my life and cherish that.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Colette. I hope that you have a very special weekend.
Lovely post Nessa.
Thanks very much. Have a lovely weekend!
You're so right Nessa for those that have a wonderful mother to cherish every moment with them. My own passed away last November so still a bit of an ache (easy way to say it). Her favourite dessert was apple tart. I always feel I honour her great skill in making them each time I bake one.
I find Mother's Day very difficult for years. I promised myself I'd celebrate it on the blog this year but couldn't bring myself yet again. Wishing you a gorgeous pampering day with your wonderful family tomorrow.
Marian, I hadn't realised that your Mam passed away last November. I'm so sorry to hear that. It's really only weeks ago, so I completely understand where you are with your grieving.
It is quite difficult to write down your emotions, but in time you will, and it may in some way help you. However, I'm not entirely sure yet if it helps at the time when you are actually doing the writing bit, about a passed loved one, as inevitably I always feel more upset, but more in years to come when you can look back and feel like the whole grieving process has become more manageable. Tomorrow will be tough, but hopefully you have a nice diversion planned. Take care xx
Aw Nessa what a truly lovely response:) It will get easier tks. Will probably spend tomorrow in the kitchen far away from the internet x
A lovely post. I lost my mother years ago, in my late teens but I feel close to her when I'm doing things like baking or gardening. I can still remember how she did things and feel as those she's advising me.
I know what you mean, Mairéad. Mother's have such a strong voice, their advice can be everlasting. I'm sorry to hear that you lost your Mam when you were so young.
I too would feel close to my mother when I'm baking, & closest to my Dad when pottering in the garden or watching a GAA match. It's comforting to have interests that they have also enjoyed. Take care x
Nessa, your commitment not only to food but to the joy and security of your children shows up in everything you do for them, every morsel prepared. Obviously your mother raised a wonderful daughter. Mine has been gone now over 15 years and I miss her more than ever because with the loss of our parent part of our history leaves as well. Thus the reason we are to make MORE MEMORIES with our own children! (like you do) A bittersweet cycle of life. God Bless You and yours.
Donna, thank you so very much for your lovely comment. You are always so kind with your words!
I'd agree with you on losing part of our history. My Dad was a great memory man & he was my go to for every bit of our family history. I really miss our chats.
As you said, it's important to look forward & focus on making new memories. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday x
Lovely post, Nessa. I lost my mam a few years ago and I really don't like Mother's Day anymore either. I still have the bag I bought her for Mother's Day shortly before she died. I can barely look at it now but maybe some day I will use it. I'm very happy to see people who still have their mums celebrating the day, though - I'd love to have the chance to do that again. I hope your own little treasures spoiled you rotten.
Lovely post, Nessa. I lost my mam a few years ago and I really don't like Mother's Day anymore either. I still have the bag I bought her for Mother's Day shortly before she died. I can barely look at it now but maybe some day I will use it. I'm very happy to see people who still have their mums celebrating the day, though - I'd love to have the chance to do that again. I hope your own little treasures spoiled you rotten.
Hi June. I'm sorry to hear that your Mam pased away recently; I think that when a parent is no longer with us it really changes the way we look at everything. My Mam also passed away just a few weeks before Mother's Day, but actually as you mention about presents, the week before my Dad passed away my boys had bought him a fluffy foot warmer. It's still in my sitting room, wrapped in Christmas paper. I probably should of done soemthing with it at the time, but for the moment I can't even bring myself to put it away. So I understand about your bag, but some day it may give you comfort to use it. Like you, I'm always so happy to see others enjoying days, like Mother's day, with their mothers, and thank you - I had a lovely day with my little people.
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