Lemon and Fresh Strawberry Dacquoise Recipe

How to make it

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• For Meringue Layers: Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
• Line 2 baking sheets with kitchen parchment cut to fit.
• Using a glass or can template ( or your eyes) mark eight 4-inch circles on the sheet.
• Set aside.
• Rinse a large bowl with hot water and dry it.
• Place the egg whites in the bowl and, using a hand-held electric mixer, beat until foamy.
• Add the cream of tartar and salt and beat until soft peaks form.
• Gradually beat in sugar and strawberry extract until the whites hold their peak.
• In a zip lock bag, add meringue and cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and using as a pastry bag, pipe the meringue in spirals to fill in the circles marked on the parchment paper; then build up the sides to give each a rim about 1/2-inch high.
• Bake in oven for 1 1/2 hours, until crisp and very lightly colored.(The meringues can be made up to 2 days ahead; store carefully in an airtight container.)
• For Lemon Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk to combine nonfat milk, lemon pudding mix, and lemon zest.
• Whisk continually for 2 minutes until filling mixture starts to thicken. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• For Strawberry Filling: In another medium mixing bowl, gently fold sliced strawberries into 1/2 container of whipped topping.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to assemble
• dacquoise.
• Assembly: For best results, assemble dacquoise right before serving.
• Place 1 meringue circle on a cake plate.
• Evenly spread half of the lemon filling.
• Top with another meringue circle and spread with strawberry mixture.
• Repeat with another meringue circle and lemon filling.
• Place final meringue circle and top with remaining whipped topping. Garnish with mint sprig and fresh strawberries.
• Number of servings can vary according to your preferences.
• Michele does not mix the strawberries and whipped topping together. An added treat: sprinkle coarsely crushed amaretti cookies over entire dessert . Lowfat milk can be used instead of the non-fat.