Strawberry Meringue Torte 5.5 pts

Strawberry Meringue Torte 5.5 pts
 
 MERINGUE
 6 egg whites
 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
 1 dash salt
 1 1/2 cups sugar
 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
 FILLING
 3 cups half and half
 1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix, 5 1/4 ounce
 1 teaspoon almond extract
 TOPPING
 3 cups strawberries, halved
 2 tablespoon currant jelly, optional

Instructions:

For a perfect meringue, be sure egg whites are at room temperature and the bowl and beaters are completely free of fat. Store baked dessert meringues at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to one month.
 
 Heat oven to 275ºF. Line 2 cookie sheets with brown or parchment paper. In large bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating continuously until stiff peaks form, about 10 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Spoon half of meringue mixture onto each paper-lined sheet. Shape into two 9-inch circles, building up sides slightly with back of spoon.
 
 Bake at 275ºF.  for 1 1/4 hours. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven with door closed for 2 hours. Remove from oven; cool completely. Remove meringues from paper.
 
 To prepare filling, in medium bowl combine half and half and pudding mix; beat at low speed 1 minute. Stir in almond extract.
 
 To assemble, place 1 meringue on large serving plate. Spread filling to edges of meringue; top with remaining meringue. Arrange strawberries overtop. In small saucepan, melt jelly over low heat; brush over berries. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to soften meringues.
 
 TIP: Meringues can be made 1 or 2 days ahead. Cover loosely; store at room temperature. Fill and top with berries; refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to soften meringues.
 
 Amount Per Serving: Calories 250 Calories from Fat 63Percent Total Calories From: Fat 13% Protein 3% Carb. 84%
 
 Nutrient Amount per % DailyServing Value: Total Fat 7 g 11%; Saturated Fat 4 g 20%;Cholesterol 22 mg 7%; Sodium 240 mg 10%; Total Carbohydrate 45 g 15%;Dietary Fiber 1 g 4%; Protein 4 g
 
 Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 50% Iron 0%
 
 WW Pointed by Mary [mnmpoms@ponyexpress.net]10/22/00 Recipe By: Pillsburys Most Requested Recipes
 
 Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 205 Calories; 7g Fat (30.4%calories from fat); 4g Protein; 33g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 22mgCholesterol; 76mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 0 Non-FatMilk; 1 1/2 Fat; 2 Other Carbohydrates.