Hot Desserts Recipes - Floating Islands in Plum Sauce

Ingredients

• 450g/1lb red plums

• 300ml/1/2 pint or 1 1/4 cups apple juice

• 2 egg whites

• 30ml/2 tbsp concentrated apple juice syrup

• pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

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Method:

1. Halve the plums and remove the stones. Place them in a wide saucepan with the apple juice

2. Bring to the boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and leave to simmer gently until the plums are tender.

3. Meanwhile, place the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form.

4. Gradually whisk in the apple juice syrup, whisking until the meringue holds fairly firm peaks

5. Using a tablespoon, scoop the meringue mixture into the gently simmering plum sauce. (You may need to cook the "islands" in two batches.).

6. Cover again and allow to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, until the meringues are just set. Serve straight away, sprinkled with a little freshly grated nutmeg

7. Cook's Tip: For ease of preparation when you are entertaining, the plum sauce can be made in advance and reheated just before you cook the meringues.