Hungarian Floating Island – Madártej🇭🇺

🇭🇺 Hungarian Floating Island (Madártej)

🧾 Ingredients:

For the milk custard:

• 1 liter milk
• 5 egg yolks
• 100 g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla pod)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker texture)

For the floating meringue:

• 5 egg whites
• 80 g sugar
• 1 pinch salt

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare custard base:
   Heat milk in a pot with vanilla until warm (do not boil).

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2. Mix egg yolks:
   Whisk egg yolks with sugar (and cornstarch if using) until pale.
3. Slowly add warm milk while whisking, then return mixture to the pot.
4. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (do not boil). Let cool.

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5. Make meringue “islands”:
   Beat egg whites with salt until foamy.
6. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

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7. Cook meringues:
   Bring a pot of milk or water to a gentle simmer.
8. Using a spoon, drop meringue “islands” into the liquid and poach for 1–2 minutes per side.
9. Remove and drain.

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10. Assemble dessert:
    Pour cooled vanilla custard into bowls.
11. Float the poached meringue islands on top.