Meringue Pops

Meringue Pops

So I thought I would try something new this week and Meringue Pops were the choice. Not to self...do check you have converted farenheit to celsius before baking! ( the pics show my second attempt...my first one checked the smoke alarm worked!) Aside from that, I think they turned out quite nice. What do you think? 

4 large egg whites
115g caster sugar115g icing sugar1/2 tsp cream of tartarCake pop sticks - ones that are happy to be bakedGel food colouring piping bag and tip

Optional: clear bags and ribbon, sprinkles

Method

Preheat the oven to fan 95 C. Line 2 baking sheets with smooth grease proof paper (the one thats slightly waxy).

Separate the 4 large egg whites - be very careful not to get any yolk into the whites. Put into a large clean mixing bowl (not plastic). Beat them on medium speed with an electric hand whisk until the mixture becomes foamy, then add the cream of tartar. 

Beat further until the mixture resembles a fluffy cloud and stands up in stiff peaks when the blades are lifted.

Now turn the speed up and start to add 115g caster sugar, a spoonful at a time. Continue beating for 3-4 seconds between each addition. It’s very important to add the sugar slowly at this stage as it helps prevent the meringue from weeping later.  When ready, the mixture should be thick and glossy.

Gently fold the icing sugar into the mixture. Don’t over-mix. The mixture should now look smooth and billowy.

Paint the inside of your piping bag with your gel food colouring in four or five stripes from top to bottom. Gently turn bag the right way. Stand your bag in a jug and fold the edge over the rim to load the meringue mixture. Squeeze down the bag until full and try to avoid air bubbles. 

Place your sticks on your baking paper trays and pipe from the centre of a ring outwards smoothing off the last bit quickly.

I also made some little meringue kisses with the extras.

Bake at 95 degrees celsius for 1.5hrs or longer until the meringue can peel easily away from the paper. 

(The meringue pops will now keep in an airtight tin for up to 2 weeks)

  

Why Crafting Is Great For Your Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains

by Dr. Sarah McKayJune 24th, 2014

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Knit one. Purl one. Knit one. Purl one. Knit one. Purl one. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of knitting is calming, comforting and contemplative. It’s not a stretch for you to imagine knitting as a mindfulness practice, or perhaps a form of meditation.

I’m delighted to report that neuroscience is finally catching up on brain health aspects of the trend some have called "the new yoga."

Research shows that knitting and other forms of textile crafting such as sewing, weaving and crocheting have quite a lot in common with mindfulness and meditation — all are reported to have a positive impact on mind health and well-being.

In an online survey of more 3,545 knitters, by Betsan Corkhill, a UK-based knitting therapist who has done research on the therapeutic effects of knitting, more than half of respondents reported that knitting left them feeling "very happy." And many said that they knitted solely for the purposes of relaxation, stress relief and creativity.

The study found a significant relationship between the frequency of knitting and respondents’ perceived mood and feelings. Frequent knitters (those who knitted more than 3 times a week) were calmer, happier, less sad, less anxious, and more confident.

Corkhill’s study concluded, “Knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to well-being and quality of life.”

Interestingly, the study also found that people who knitted as part of a group were even happier than solo knitters. Knit-ins, stitch ‘n bitch groups, and even scrapbooking parties have many keys of mind and brain health covered.

Here are 10 ways crafting with friends may improve mind and brain wellness:

1. Mental challenge and problem solving
2. Social connection
3. Mindfulness
4. Development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and fine motor dexterity
5. Learning and teaching
6. Focusing attention and thoughts on a task

7. Encouraging active creativity 
8. Gives a sense of pride and achievement
9. Teaches patience and perseverance 
10. Facilitates memory formation and retrieval 

According to her paper, “The skills and feelings experienced whilst knitting and stitching can also be used to facilitate the learning of techniques, such as meditation, relaxation and pacing which are commonly taught on pain management courses, or in the treatment of depression.”

“Using knitting to achieve a meditative state of mind could enable a much wider population to experience the benefits of meditation, as it doesn't entail having to understand, accept or engage in a prolonged learning period of the practice. It happens as a natural side-effect of knitting.”

Others have likened crafting to entering a state of "flow," what positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi describes as “a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation. It is a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter.”

And, according to Corkhill, even Albert Einstein was reputed to have knitted between projects to "calm his mind and clear his thinking."

Neuroscientists are beginning to understand how mindfulness, meditation and experiencing "flow" impact the brain. Research shows these practices improve depression, anxiety, coping style in the face of adversity, improve quality of life, and significantly reduce stress. All vital for maintaining brain health and well-being.

Dr Sarah McKay 

Source