I had never tasted Floating Islands before this week and if a friend of mine hadn't told me once that it was her husband's favorite dessert, I would have never heard of them either. This week, Shari of Whisk: a food blog, gave me, and all the other Tuesdays with Dorie bakers, the opportunity to try something new.
The dessert, consisting of poached meringues served on crème anglaise, is fairly easy to make, about one hour start to finish, if you don't count the time you spend doing the dishes afterward. You can make each component ahead of time, (actually you have to, since they have to chill) and serve the islands when you like. I mixed in a little melted chocolate with some of the crème anglaise and drizzled it onto the meringues. You know who loved this dessert? My 5 year old son. His exact words were: Mom, you've got to make some more of these! So, since they were a hit with the kids, I might make them again, as per a special request. But I didn't find that this was a spectacular dessert. The crème anglaise was good and I had no problems getting it to thicken up, but since I already have a recipe that I like, which uses whole eggs, I'll keep using my tried and true. I have to say though that the meringue islands were very fluffy and refreshing. This was really different from the desserts I usually make.
For a few hundred Island variations, please check out the Tuesdays with Dorie blogroll. And for the Floating Islands recipe, visit Shari's blog, her posts are always sure to impress!
The dessert, consisting of poached meringues served on crème anglaise, is fairly easy to make, about one hour start to finish, if you don't count the time you spend doing the dishes afterward. You can make each component ahead of time, (actually you have to, since they have to chill) and serve the islands when you like. I mixed in a little melted chocolate with some of the crème anglaise and drizzled it onto the meringues. You know who loved this dessert? My 5 year old son. His exact words were: Mom, you've got to make some more of these! So, since they were a hit with the kids, I might make them again, as per a special request. But I didn't find that this was a spectacular dessert. The crème anglaise was good and I had no problems getting it to thicken up, but since I already have a recipe that I like, which uses whole eggs, I'll keep using my tried and true. I have to say though that the meringue islands were very fluffy and refreshing. This was really different from the desserts I usually make.
For a few hundred Island variations, please check out the Tuesdays with Dorie blogroll. And for the Floating Islands recipe, visit Shari's blog, her posts are always sure to impress!
34 comments:
I had never heard of this until a couple years ago... to be honest, not my favorite dessert... yours do look beautiful! :)
Looks just lovely! I didn't try it.
Great idea for the drizzle - your islands look perfect. And a special endorsement from your son to ensure you make it again!
Nancy
What a sophisticated son you have! I love the chocolate drizzle! I need to try that!
Lovely presentation. The chocolate gives it a nice touch.
Hee! I love how you had to note the time it takes to do the dishes... Blog meta! Lol. Anyway, they look perfect and at least this dessert has considerably less fat :) I'm not surprised the kid liked it!
I hadn't made it before either but agree that they were refreshingly delicious. Love your bowls.
I'd never heard of this dessert either. Yours looks great. The chocolate drizzle is marvelous.
Love the added chocolate.
I've never heard of these either, but they look and sound fantastic - anything with creme anglaise has to be OK...definitely a nice different dessert option to keep in mind...
I love the chocolate on top -- not that it would have saved my pathetic little islands!
I loved that your 5 year old enjoyed them! Nice work
I used to make these when I worked as a pastry chef, and I have to say yours look very professional! Nice!
Woahhh... comme c'est beau, on croirait que tu les as faites expressément pour des enfants; on dirait des bébés zèbres!!! LOL
Superbe, LyB!
Gorgeous floating islands! I love the chocolate syrup and I'm glad they were a hit with your kids.
Another dessert I never had, but love to try. I'll be making these tomorrow 'cause I made the World Peace Cookies instead by accident.
I bet the chocolate was a hit too! I'm glad your 5 year old liked them! Thanks for baking along with me this week!
Wow this looks good. I never try these.
tout simplement très appétissant ! avec le chocolat, ça devait être aussi très bon ( mais je suis + caramel que chocolat )
tes photos sont superbes Lyb :)
Simply Beautiful! The drizzle really makes it!
I felt the same way about it, and didn't know what it was either. I was happy to find out and try something new though. I love that your 5-year old loved them... mine wouldn't touch it. Oh well, it was still fun and yours look so great and poofy!
Yum, I like the looks of the drizzle you did on top! And how great to get a seal of approval from your 5 yr old!
Lucky you that they came together so easily. They look really tasty.
These look great! I didn't get a chance to make them yet, but yours look so good I'll have to try!
These look terrific! I am eager to try making them and am glad to see you have a creme recipe you like. I may have to check it out.
the chocolate drizzle is key--ya gotta give the island something to spruce it up! excellent work, lyb!
Its fun when the kids surprise you. Who knew a 5 year old would like floating islands? Thats awesome. I like your colorful dishes. Yes, definitely the chocolate drizzle. Kind of reminds me of a cookie I used to eat when I was a kid. They were filled with a sort mallowy stuff and chocolate on the outside? Do they still makes thoses? Anyway, lovely post.
AmyRuth
Ive seen these around lately, and they look so good! Such a neat idea! Love your pics!
Your island looks great! That chocolate syrup gives it a great look! I just found a new favorite dessert.
I'm sorry you didn't like the recipe - it certainly wasn't for lack of a gorgeous presentation!
I like this dessert but didn't like this particular recipe.
Your dessert looks really delicious. I like the choice of a chocolate drizzle -- the caramel was good but too sharp.
The chocolate drizzle sounds nice. I had never heard of them before, but they were an interesting dessert, no?
I want to float away with your delicious looking islands!
when the kids like it, it's got to be a keeper! :)
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