Over her signature meringues and refreshing bubbles, we sat down with Kristin Collins – owner of FLUFF MERINGUES & MORE to discuss how she’s bringing an international flair to the Burnet Road culinary scene. ‘The Fluffery’ recently opened its doors in Rosedale Village a few weeks ago and is planning a grand opening event at the end of this month. Read on for all the party details, to learn more about the inspiration behind her bakery and to discover just how healthy meringues actually are (spoiler alert: they’re 17 calories).

TSG: Are you doing an official launch?

KC: Yes! We are having a Grand Opening party on October 23 from 5-7, and we’re inviting all of Austin to come in and try our treats. We’ll also be hosting a Happy Hour during that time! Consider yourself officially invited…

TSG: Of course, meringues are your specialty – but what other dessert offerings are you most excited about? (We’re excited about the mini cakes – you’re totally right that slices of cake slices just aren’t as pretty!) 

KC: Our tarts are absolutely fantastic (and gorgeous)! We have the most amazing artists on our pastry team, and they created such beautiful and quirky marzipan characters to top each of our tarts. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite, but I love the Honey Thyme + Earl Grey Mousse tart, complete with marzipan bee topper! We have also have a delightful olive oil cake – this season it’s Amaretto – that’s to die for. It has a heartier crumb, a brûlée’d crust and the perfect amount of sweetness for someone who doesn’t like sweets that much, like me!

TSG: You’re so lucky you don’t have a strong sweet tooth! We’d be tempted all the time. But, we heard a rumor that meringues are low calorie – dare we say healthy? Is this true?

KC: Hahaha, yes, somewhat? Meringues are naturally gluten-free, fat free, dairy free, sodium free and cholesterol free because they’re made from egg whites, sugar and flavorings. Each one is about 17 calories, unless it’s been dipped in chocolate!

TSG: So they’re definitely a better option that holiday cookies?

KC: Yes, if you’re looking for a healthier option, meringues are definitely the way to go!

TSG: Do you take holiday orders?

KC: Yes! We take all kinds of bespoke and catering orders. We can make just about anything (even holiday cookies!). We also have a DIY pavlova bar that would be fun for holiday parties!

TSG: What drink pairs well with your desserts?

KC: All of our beverage offerings are designed to pair well with our dessert offerings. We have two lovely red wines and an assortment of whites. In my opinion, Proseccos and Moscatos pair best with meringues, but I also love to pair our Mead, which is a honey wine, with our other deserts. If you like beer, our Jester King Miel pairs fabulously with our Toffee Apple Pie Cloud.

TSG: So The Fluffery is definitely the best place for after dinner drinks + desserts…

KC: Well, I don’t know if we’re the best, but we certainly strive to be! I worked closely with our wine reps (shout out to Kelly and Gillian) to create options that aren’t only great on their own, but would pair well with our treats. It was important for us to also cater to those who don’t always want dessert, but may want a glass of wine while their friend indulges in a treat.

TSG: And you also have a shop, Mercantile! What was the inspiration?

KC: I wanted a mercantile, because I wanted The Fluffery to be a sort of one-stop-shop for entertaining – a place where you can come in and get your party dessert and hostess gift. My inspiration was both local and international. For example, we have a gorgeous variety of serveware and ceramics from Austin-based ceramicist Elaina Bernard, UK-based Reiko Kanneko and Japan-based Kinko. To me, it feels like the perfect blend of Austin culture.

Visit Fluff Meringues & More at Rosedale Village Shopping Center ( 4800 Burnet Road ) and be sure to tell them that The Scout Guide sent you!