Zoe Bakes Season 1 Episode 3 Making Meringue

Zoe Bakes is a cooking show that follows pastry chef and baker Zoe Francois as she shares her tried and true dessert recipes with viewers. Each episode focuses on a different dessert or technique, and in season 1 episode 3, titled "Making Meringue," Zoe tackles the notoriously tricky dessert staple: meringue.

Zoe starts the episode by teaching viewers about the different types of meringue and their various uses. She goes through the classic French meringue, which is made by whipping egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form, and then gently folding in any additional ingredients like cocoa powder or ground nuts. She also demonstrates the Swiss meringue method, where the egg whites and sugar are cooked together in a double boiler before being whipped, resulting in a denser and more stable meringue. The show then turns to the Italian meringue method, which involves pouring a hot sugar syrup into whipped egg whites to cook them before continuing to whip and cool the mixture to a fluffy texture, and some of the desserts that can be made using each type.

Next, Zoe dives into a recipe that uses the Swiss meringue method to create a show-stopping pavlova. Zoe demonstrates the technique for making a perfect pavlova, from beating the egg whites to folding in the sugar and vanilla, to shaping and baking the meringue. Along the way, Zoe shares some helpful tips and tricks for avoiding common meringue pitfalls, such as overbeating the egg whites or using a greasy bowl for whipping.

Once the pavlova is baked and cooled, Zoe shows viewers how to decorate it with whipped cream and fresh berries, creating a beautiful dessert that's almost too pretty to eat. But before she signs off, Zoe has one more surprise for viewers: a bonus recipe for a beautiful and flavorful Meyer lemon meringue tart. Using the Italian meringue method, Zoe creates a velvety lemon curd, bakes it in a pre-made tart shell until set, and tops the tart with a fluffy and lightly torched meringue, resulting in a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Overall, Zoe Bakes season 1 episode 3 is a must-watch for anyone looking to master the art of meringue. With her friendly and approachable style, Zoe makes even the most intimidating techniques feel accessible, so viewers can have the confidence to try out new recipes and impress their friends and family with beautiful and delicious desserts.