These colourful passionfruit curd and coconut meringue jars are a light and fresh dessert dish that is perfect for a dinner party with friends or a night in with the family.
Passionfruit Curd and Coconut Meringue Jar Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Passionfruit Curd
1 cup fresh passionfruit pulp (approx. 12 passionfruit)
125g chilled butter, chopped
¾ cup caster sugar
4 egg yolks
Biscuit Crumb
200g packet shortbread biscuit, crushed
½ cup coconut flakes, toasted
Meringue
1 cup caster sugar
3 eggs whites
Method:
For the passionfruit curd, strain passionfruit pulp through a sieve. Return 1/4 cup of seeds to strained juice (you will need 3/4 cup total passionfruit).
Combine passionfruit, butter, sugar and egg yolks in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for about 10-12 minutes, until thickens to coat the back of a wooden spoon (do not boil or mixture will curdle). Transfer to a bowl and chill for 2 hours, until thickened.
Make the biscuit crumb by crushing biscuits and coconut in a zip-lock bag with a rolling pin.
To make the meringue, combine 2/3 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Increase heat to medium and bring to boil. Cook, without stirring for about 6 minutes, until mixture reaches 110°C on a sugar thermometer.
Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Beat in remaining sugar for 1 minute, until smooth. Gradually pour hot syrup into egg whites in a thin steady stream, beating constantly, until well combined. Continue beating on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until mixture cools to room temperature. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with 1cm star nozzle.
To assemble, spoon 1/4 cup of biscuit crumb mix into the base of four 1 cup-capacity jars. Spoon in 1/4 cup of curd. Pipe in an even layer of meringue about the same thickness as curd (about 1/4 cup). Repeat layers, finishing with meringue peaks.
Toast meringue topping with a kitchen blowtorch if you like or serve natural. Chill until ready to serve.
