Baking 101: the 10 basics everyone should know

Meringue

Meringue is a baking staple, eaten both on its own and in desserts like pavlovas. Surprisingly, there are many different types of meringues that vary according to their origins and uses.

French meringue is made with egg whites that are whisked until stiff, to which sugar is then added. The mixture is then baked in an oven with the oven door half-open.

Italian meringue is based on cooked sugar. The egg whites are whisked until firm, and at the same time a sugar syrup is made. The eggs are then folded into the sugar syrup.

Swiss meringue is first cooked in a water bath and then baked in an oven. It’s mostly used to make decorative meringues.