Cyril Lignac's Floating Islands: Easy, Delicious French Dessert Recipe That Wins Over the Family

Floating Islands is a timeless staple of French gastronomy. This airy meringue poached in milk and paired with silky custard offers a perfect balance of lightness and creaminess. It's remarkably easy to make and affordable. Historically, it was created in the late 19th century by renowned chef Auguste Escoffier, the father of modern gastronomy, also credited with peach Melba and the bouillon cube. The original featured Savoy biscuits soaked in kirsch and maraschino, topped with apricot jam, raisins, and almonds, all served with custard. Today, the lighter eggs in snow version prevails. Celebrity pastry chef Cyril Lignac shares his foolproof method: spoon-shaped meringues poached gently in simmering milk.

Cyril Lignac's Poached Meringue Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes.
Cooking time: 15 minutes.

For 4 servings, you'll need:

• 4 eggs
• 80 g caster sugar
• 80g vanilla sugar
• 75 cl of whole milk
• 25g slivered almonds
• 1 lime (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Crack the eggs and separate the whites from the yolks.
2. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer.
3. Add the caster sugar little by little and leave the meringue mixture. Stop the mixer when the whites are creamy.
4. In a saucepan, heat the milk over very low heat.
5. Using a tablespoon, gently form the eggs into stiff peaks then place them on the milk.
6. Let them cook for 2 minutes, turning them halfway through. Once cooked, place them in a container and set aside in the fridge.
7. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the vanilla sugar until the mixture whitens.
8. Add the hot milk from the egg whites to the egg yolk and sugar mixture. Stir and then pour everything into the pan.
9. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring, until the cream thickens. Let it cool then reserve in the fridge.
10. In a deep plate, pour the cream and place on top the cooked egg whites, and some slivered almonds. Enjoy!

Chef's tip: Grate some lime zest on top to add a zesty kick and brighten the flavors.

Also read:

Yogurt cake by Cyril Lignac: a super easy recipe for an extra soft result!

Cyril Lignac's strawberry soup: a delicious and simple recipe, perfect for sunny days

Cyril Lignac's lemon tart: his "ultra-easy" and absolutely delicious recipe ("It's so soft and moist!")