Cherry Berries On A Cloud

This pretty little dessert is not all that hard to make--just takes time. It's so elegant!

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 1 hour + cooling

Yield: 16 Servings

Ingredients:

6 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups sugar

Filling:

2 pkgs. (3 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Topping:

1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the cream of tartar and salt; beat until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form (do not under beat). Spread evenly in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 275F° for 1 hour; turn off oven (do not open door). Let cool in oven overnight or at least 12 hours. 

In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth; gently fold in whipped cream and marshmallows. Spread over meringue. Chill for 4 hours or overnight. 

Cut into 16 pieces. 

Combine topping ingredients; spoon 1/4 cup over each serving. Yield: 16 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 each) equals 279 calories, 7 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 26 mg cholesterol, 89 mg sodium, 52 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. 

Originally published as Cherry Berries on a Cloud in Taste of Home February/March 1997, p67