[Lardman]

Here are some of my mince pies.

That's very kind of you Mrs Bee, although you really should have made some for the others a not just a couple for me   

Im curious as to the macaroon topping, Im ashamed to say I've been binning the egg whites I've separated for the pastry  as I just could think of anything worth making with them.

[mumofstig]

I freeze any spare whites and make lemon meringue pies when I have more than a few in there 

[snowdrops]

Meringues are so easy to make & keep for ages, I use demerrara sugar at Christmas, it makes them 'nutty'

[Mrs Bee]

Here are some of my mince pies.

That's very kind of you Mrs Bee, although you really should have made some for the others a not just a couple for me   

Im curious as to the macaroon topping, Im ashamed to say I've been binning the egg whites I've separated for the pastry  as I just could think of anything worth making with them.

I always freeze left over egg whites for simple meringue style icecream and macaroons.

Topping for 12 macaroon mince pies are
*2 egg whites whisked until stiff
*whisk in 3oz caster sugar
*then fold in 4 oz ground almonds.  You can add a few drops of almond extract if you wish.
use to top 12 mince pies 180C for about 20 minutes

[Lardman]

meringue

Meringues

That's about all I could come up with too but I really don't like the taste or texture of them.  Someone also suggested I make an egg-white omelettes from them, I think they realised their error by the look they got 

use to top 12 mince pies 180C for about 20 minutes

Oh go on then, if you insist  I'll give it a bash tomorrow.

[hamstergbert]

simply beat up the spare egg whites with a tiny pinch of salt until firm, keep beating as you gradually combine a tablespoon of golden caster.  Beat until really glossy then last step on a light cake is mix in a spoonful to loosen then fold in the egg whites.  Adds a wonderful extra lightness to all sorts of cakes from coffee and walnut through cherry and almond (madeira) to simple almond and apricot.    (No more than two or three whites unless folding into a really big mixture!)

If I know I will be doing one of the variations on Santiago cake (fat and flour free) I save spare whites
and just add them to the whites during that method.



And finally a North Eastern joke: (needs speaking out loud)
Chap from the North East goes down to the deep south - Harrogate - and decides to treat himself to tea in the famous Betty's tearoom.
Waitress:  "And what can I get you sir?"
Billy: "Fancy one of them fancy set teatime things."
Waitress: "Certainly sir.  Bettys special blend of tea?"
Billy: "Oh aye, that'd be grand."
Waitress:"And would you like cake or a meringue?"
Billy:"Naw, ye're not wrang - ah like cake..."


I'll get me coat.

[devonbarmygardener]

I liked that!! Made me laugh!!!