Apple Meringue

Description: I make this almost every Rosh Hashana, it's a great dish for autumn. It's dairy-free, good for those who are lactose intolerant.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs granny smith apples (or any tart apple)
• 1 cup sugar (or less)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 vanilla beans or 1/2 vanilla extract
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or 2 tablespoons cognac
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 egg whites

Steps:

1. Peel, core and slice apples, not too thin.
2. Make a syrup with the water and the sugar.
3. Add the spices, apples and raisins.
4. Cook covered until tender, but still hold their shape.
5. Add the liqueur and the honey.
6. Place in a baking dish.
7. Make Italian Meringue------------------.
8. Stir sugar and water over heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
9. Let cook until a thick syrup.
10. Meanwhile, whip with an electric beater the whites until they form soft peaks.
11. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whites, beating all along until cool.
12. Spread meringue on top of apples, bake in preheated 350 F oven until golden.
13. Chill.