Delicious meringue with a hint of orange and a rich milk chocolate ganache filling.
I’m back with the second (and final) part of my King’s Fine Foods challenge to create a delicious new recipe featuring one of their products (the first part was these indulgent double chocolate and caramel profiteroles – definitely worth a look if you missed them!).
The second product I was sent to use was their Boyajian citrus oils. I’ve always used zest or juice to add a citrus flavour to my baking so these were new to me and I absolutely loved them (I’m a total convert). The flavour is incredibly intense so you only need a little bit to fill your baking with flavour. I also love the fact that they’re there in the cupboard ready for a bit of impromptu baking so I don’t need to stock up on fresh citrus and then worry about it going to waste.
To put them to the test I wanted to make something that simply wouldn’t work as well using zest or juice so I quickly decided on meringues (zest would make them all bitty, juice would upset the delicate balance of egg white and sugar).
I made a few test batches using the different oils and different fillings and the winner was these chocolate orange meringues. Not only do they taste delicious, I think they’re really rather pretty too 🙂
I piped them in exactly the same way as I do buttercream roses on cupcakes using this tutorial from Gym Bunny Mummy. I did try making one batch by simply making circles of meringue on my baking tray with a spoon and they looked a bit of a mess so for the sake of a couple of extra minutes it’s really worth the effort to pipe (and it’s honestly easy to do!).
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Chocolate Orange Meringues
Equipment
- Weighing scales
- Electric mixer (you can use a hand whisk but it's hard work!)
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Baking parchment or bake-o-glide sheet (or similar)
- Piping bag and large star nozzle
- Grated, peeler or sharp knife.
- Small saucepan
- Medium-large bowl
- Large spoon
INGREDIENTS
Orange Meringues
- 2 large egg whites
- 100 g caster sugar
- ¼ tsp Boyajian orange citrus oil
Milk chocolate ganache
- 100 g good quality milk chocolate - I used Amedei chocolate - also from King's Fine Foods
- 100 ml double cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the meringues
- Pre-heat your oven to 100ºC/80ºC fan.
- Line your baking sheet with baking parchment or bake-o-glide sheet.
- Put your egg whites (2 large egg whites) into a large bowl and beat on a low speed until foamy. Increase the speed to medium and beat until they form a soft peak.
- With your mixer still running, add the caster sugar (100g) a tablespoon at a time and whisk until combined. Continue to beat until you have a stiff peak.
- Add the orange oil (¼ tsp) and carefully fold into the meringue mixture until fully combined.
- Attach the nozzle to your piping bag and fill the piping bag with the meringue. Pipe your meringue roses onto the baking sheet (if you need guidance on how to do this have a look at this video).
- Place into the oven and cook for 1 hour 45 minutes. Once cooked turn off the oven but don't open it. Leave the meringues in until the oven has cooled completely (this can take several hours).
- Once the oven has cooled completely remove the meringues and either use them immediately or store them in an airtight container to use later.
Make the milk chocolate ganache
- Grate the milk chocolate (100g) and put it into a large bowl (you could also use a peeler or very finely chop it using a sharp knife).
- Heat the double cream in a small saucepan. You want it to be warm but not boiling (about 50-60ºC - if it's too hot it will seize the chocolate and cause it to go lumpy).
- Once the cream has warmed, pour it onto the chocolate and quickly stir it together until completely combined and the chocolate is completely melted.
- At this point the ganache will be too runny to use so it needs to be left to set. If you're using it that day then you can cover and leave it to set for an hour or so at room temperature. If you're making it in advance then pop it into the fridge to set.
Build your meringue sandwiches
- Make sure your ganache is at room temperature.
- Fill a piping bag with ganache (with a pretty nozzle attached if you want) and carefully pipe the ganache onto one side of the meringue. Place another piece of meringue on top to make the sandwich.
- Repeat until all of the meringues are filled.
- Serve.
NOTES
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Any nutritional information provided is the estimated nutritional information per serving. Please refer to my guide to Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen nutritional information if you would like to learn more about how this is calculated.
Free From/Suitable For…
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Gluten-Free
- Nut-Free
- Corn-Free
- Soy-Free
The ingredients for this recipe are commonly available free from all these allergens. However, please ensure you double-check allergen information for all ingredients.
Stuart Vettese says
Thank you for taking part in Treat Petite. These meringue sandwiches look scrummy – can’t beat choccy orange!
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Stuart, the chocolate orange combination is proving very popular!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
Oh wow these looks so pretty and they sound amazingly delicious! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Kirsty. They are very yummy!
Honest mum says
Oh wow these little meringue towers are so pretty. I love chocolate orange too, what a wonderful combination. Adore your recipes and photography Charlotte as always. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Vicki. I’m getting a lot of positive comments about the chocolate orange combination, it seems like a very popular choice.
Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed says
Your meringues look so pretty Charlotte, I really must try piping roses. A winning flavour combination, I love chocolate & orange. I use peppermint oil & almond oil in my bakes but I’ll be buying some orange oil to try now.
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Sarah. I’d really recommend Toni’s piped roses tutorial, she explains it really clearly and turns it into something simple that anyone with a piping bag can do.
I’ve not tried almond oil before but I cook with a lot of ground almonds and sometimes find the flavour needs a bit of a boost so I’ll have to keep an eye open for it.
My Family Ties says
Meringues are so moorish and these look amazing! I have pinned the recipe for later! #TastyTuesdays
Charlotte Oates says
I know! My mum used to make meringues filled with whipped cream when I was little and I was always frustrated that I was usually only allowed one.
I hope you enjoy these x
All about a Mummy says
Chocolate orange is one of my favourite flavour combinations. I will definitely be trying these! #tastytuesdays
Charlotte Oates says
It’s such a classic combination is it. I hope you enjoy them x
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
Ooh how beautiful do they look, such a gorgeous swirl on the meringue – and scrummy flavours too! Mmm yum! #TastyTuesdays
Angela x
Charlotte Oates says
Piping the meringue only takes a minute or two longer and is really worth the effort.
Zara - Mojo Blogs says
I love chocolate and orange together! Sadly no one here shares my enthusiasm so looks like I can make a bumper pile for myself! The look wonderful.
Charlotte Oates says
Good plan. I would happily eat all of these to myself, sadly everyone in my house shares my enthusiasm so I can’t!
Cheryl @ Reimer and Ruby says
I’m not really a fan of meringue, but I’m a lover of chocolates…. This one just caught my attention. Would definitely give it a go! #tastytuesday
Charlotte Oates says
Hopefully these will convert you into a meringue fan 🙂
Emma T says
Yum, I love meringues and these look so pretty. I don’t think I’ve had orange flavoured ones, but I love chocolate orange, so they’d be just my cup of tea.
Charlotte Oates says
If you like chocolate orange then you’ll definitely like these!
Alison says
Those look amazing. I always struggle with meringues. I love your little cargo box as well, they look fab in there
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Alison. I love that little box, I’m having to try hard not to put it into all of my pictures (but failing miserably, it’s coming up again today!).
Mel says
I love meringues but Hubby is not a fan so I rarely make them. I want to try your gorgeous meringue sandwiches!!
Charlotte Oates says
All the more for you then!
Hazel says
Oh my word.. these look delicious! And perfect for the end of summer season! Yummy! Hazel x
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Hazel. I always think chocolate orange reminds me of Christmas, the weather here already seems to have turned so maybe I’m subconsciously warming up for the festive season 🙂
Corina says
These are such beautifully shaped little meringues. The flavoured oils sound great – something I’ll look out for.
Charlotte Oates says
Thanks Corina. The piping was really very easy but it made such a difference to how they looked, they were pretty messy when I just spread them out with a spoon!
jenny paulin says
YUM!!!!! I love chocolate and orange together and this looks and sounds right up my street! It is great that they are free from so many things too x (saw these on IG too! x)
Charlotte Oates says
It’s such a classic flavour combination isn’t it! The free from bit was unintentional but I like to note what’s not in them so if I need to cook for anyone with allergies and intolerances I know what’s safe to feed them, meringues make a great gluten free dessert.