Oeufs a la Neige (Floating Island)

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Rated 2.9/5 stars (31 votes cast)


plates Serves 5



A soft vanilla custard with floating clouds of meringue.
This dessert is prepared with raw eggs.

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

Timing

Preparation time
15 minutes

Waiting time
25 minutes

Total time
40 minutes

Preparation

Separate two of the eggs. In top of double boiler, combine 1 whole egg and 2 yolks with sugar, salt and vanilla, beating until smooth. Stir in milk and cook over simmering water, stirring constantly. When custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat. (Do not boil. If custard should start to curdle, remove from heat and beat vigorously until smooth.) Cool completely.

In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer until stiff. Gradually beat in 4 tablespoons sugar. Pour cooled custard into serving dish. Drop meringue by heaping tablespoons onto custard to make islands. Chill before serving.