Impressive meringue “baskets” filled with lime curd and fresh berries and garnished with raspberry sauce makes a stunning finish to any spring dinner.

Makes 8 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 1/2 hours (includes cooling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

1/2 cup slivered almonds
3 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
Lime Curd (recipe follows)
3 cups mixed fresh berries, such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries
Mint sprigs for garnish
Raspberry Sauce (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds in a pie pan and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes. Finely chop and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 220°.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
3. Place egg whites in a large bowl. Place bowl in a larger bowl of hot water and stir until whites are lukewarm. Remove from water and add cream of tartar and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 2/3 cup sugar. Add vanilla and almond extracts and beat until meringue is glossy and stiff, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold in reserved almonds and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
4. Spoon meringue into a large pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain or open-star tip. Pipe eight 3-inch round disks onto the prepared baking sheet, then pipe a two-layer rim around the edge of each disk. (Alternatively, drop 8 mounds of meringue, evenly spaced onto the prepared baking sheet. With the back of a spoon, form the meringue into 8 nests about 3 inches in diameter.)
5. Bake meringues for about 2 hours, or until crisp and firm. Remove meringues from baking sheet while still warm and cool on a wire rack.
6. To serve, place meringues on dessert plates and fill with Lime Curd. Top with berries and garnish with mint. Surround with Raspberry Sauce.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 230 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 30 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 5 g fiber; 81 mg sodium; 255 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (54% daily value).

3 Carbohydrate Servings

TIP: To pipe perfect baskets, first use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or glass to draw circles on the parchment paper, then turn it over. The lines will show through.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 5. The meringues will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

RELATED RECIPES: Lime Curd | Raspberry Sauce