On this last day of the New Year, say hello to these New Year’s Lucky Pig Meringues. All over Germany, people are getting piggy. What I mean is pigs are everywhere. Let me clarify that further. Lucky Pig or Glücksschwein motifs are showing up in shops and bakeries everywhere in the country.
Lucky Pigs?
These Lucky Pig Meringues are my contribution to this tradition. In the past, I have created my own pig-shaped bread and torte for New Year celebrations. Also, I have a recipe for homemade marzipan pigs on this blog.
I saved the egg whites from several recipes I made for Christmas. I put them aside to age. While they were getting older, I thought about how to use them. When I saw this pig-head cookie cutter. I had my idea. New Year’s Lucky Pig Meringues. I would not dream of making these freehand. I am not that talented. It’s much easier to trace the cutter onto baking paper and follow the outline while piping.
Symbols of luck for the new year, pig shapes, and images are baked into tarts, specialty bread, and pastries. They are decorating plants for listing and marzipan ones are especially popular. It’s a tradition to share Lucky Pig on New Year’s with friends and loved ones as symbols of luck and prosperity for the new year. The German phrase “Schwein haben” or “To have a pig” means to be lucky.
Honestly decorating these New Year’s Lucky Pig Meringues was a total improvisation. First I thought to use food coloring to create the nostrils and the mouths. However, after a significant rummage through my vast collection of sugar decorations, I had some easier solutions.
Sugar eyes, red candy hearts, and silver dragees all came to my rescue. I also had pink sugar glitter which when sprinkled over the meringue adds a sparkly New Year’s touch.
Wishing you all a “Guten rutsch” (a” good slide”) into the new year. May 2023 bring you health, happiness, and all that your hearts desire.
Lucky Pig Meringues
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 t cream of tarter
- pinch salt
- 2/3 C sugar
- 1 t vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring
- You will Need:
- Pig face cookie cutter
- Pink sugar glitter/disco dust
- Candy eyes
- Candy hearts
- Silver dragees
Instructions
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-Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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-Trace the cookie cutter repeatedly on the parchment paper to provide an outline. Flip the parchment paper over.
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-Let the egg whites sit out on the counter for 30 minutes. They should be room temperature before you use them.
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Preheat the oven to 200F.
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-Whip the egg whites at medium speed until they are frothy.
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-Add the cream of tartar and the salt.
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-Turn the mixer speed up to high. Gradually add the sugar in a slow -steady stream. Whip until stiff peaks form.
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-Whip in the vanilla and food coloring.
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-Place the piping bag fitted with a large round tip in a drinking glass. Fold the sides over the lip of the glass.
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-Use a rubber spatula to transfer the meringue to the glass.
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-Following the outlines, pipe pig faces onto the parchment. Pipe an extra blob in the center of the pig's face to create the nose.
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-Sprinkle all over with sparkle sugar. Then place the candy eyes, mouth, and nostrils.
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-Bake for 1 hr
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-Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Like these New Year’s Lucky Pig Meringues? Also, check out some of these other delicious recipes:
Lucky Pig Marzipan Champagne Torte
German Lucky Pig Breads
Homemade Marzipan Lucky Pigs
