What Is Aquafaba?
In 2015, after the vegan community had tried everything to re-create the elusive egg white meringue, it was discovered that the liquid in canned beans, specifically chickpeas, when whipped like egg whites, turned into a perfect, airy, sweet, and crispy meringue.
The Perfect Vegan Valentines Dessert
Makes 8 Meringue Nests Recipe By Lakanto Australia
Vegan Meringues
liquid from 1 can of chickpeas 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup Lakanto Baking Blend
Coconut whipped cream
1 cup full fat coconut, solids only 1/4 cup Lakanto Pure Icing Powder 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings Fresh berries
White Cacao Butter Dried Rose Petals
Method
Place the chickpea liquid in a stand-up mixer with the whisk attachment. Add cream of tartar and vanilla extract. Whip on high for 5-6 minutes until the aquafaba has formed medium-stiff peaks.
During that time, slowly add Baking Blend, about 1/4 cup at a time.
Pipe the meringue nests about 2 inches in diameter on a parchment-lined baking sheet. With a spoon, create a well in the middle. Bake at 90 degrees for 2 hours, until firm.
To make coconut whipped cream, whip up coconut solids with a handheld mixer. Add icing powder and vanilla extract and whipped until the coconut cream is similar in texture to whipped cream.
Once meringues have baked, top with about 1 tablespoon of coconut whipped cream each and 3-4 berries. Drizzle melted cacao butter and sprinkle with dried rose petals.
Serve immediately.