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Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd

October 8, 2017 by Salma Leave a Comment

Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Dark chocolate and tangy blood orange curd cut through the sweetness of crisp meringues in this simple spring treat. Each element is quite easy to prepare in advance, and assembles quickly when ready to serve, making it the perfect end to an afternoon barbeque or dinner party. I love adorning desserts with edible flowers, as it’s always an easy way to dress them up when nature does the hard work, but if they aren’t available, you could always add a few plump berries for aesthetics and a little extra freshness.

Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka DotterChocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka DotterChocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Baking Notes
(1) To ensure the greatest volume when whisking your egg whites, ensure all cooking utensils are squeaky clean from grease, and that you use the freshest eggs possible, at room temperature. If you need to bring the eggs quickly to room temperature from the fridge, placing them uncracked in a small clean bowl of warm water will hasten the process.

(2) The actual process of making meringues is fairly simple, but they can be a bit temperamental under certain conditions. To ensure the meringues are completely crisp and dry when baked, avoid making them on humid or rainy days (or if your local climate is always humid or rainy, crank the air-conditioning up in the kitchen to ensure the air is dry when you’re baking). To avoid your meringues browning and losing their lovely pearly-white tone, bake on the bottom shelf of your oven using a low heat. To ensure your meringues don’t spread excessively when baked, the meringue must be whisked to very stiff peaks (you should be able to hold it upside down above your head and the meringue should not slide out of the bowl!). To prevent little bubbles all over the meringue surface, ensure the sugar has completely dissolved in the egg white (it should not feel gritty when rubbed between your fingers), and don’t overbake them. To avoid cracked meringues, allow them copious amounts of time (even longer than I’ve suggested in the recipe if needed (ie. a couple of hours if you have time)) to cool down very slowly. And if your first few meringue attempts are a total disaster, do not be disheartened! I learnt most of these tips from plenty of failed meringue attempts myself, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll fall in love making (and eating) meringue again and again.

(3) These meringues can be made in advance and will keep crisp in an airtight container in dry conditions for 1-2 weeks. After assembling the meringues together with the cream and curd, however, they should be served immediately as the moistness will quickly soften and degrade the quality of the meringues.

Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd
Makes 12 medium-sized (8cm or 3”) meringues

Ingredients
Chocolate Swirled Meringues
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
Pinch of cream of tartar
220g caster sugar, sifted
100g good-quality dark chocolate, melted

Chantilly Cream
500ml (2 cups) pure cream
45g (¼ cup) sifted icing sugar
1½ tsp vanilla extract

Blood Orange Curd
4 large egg yolks
85g caster sugar
60g unsalted butter
Zest and juice of one blood orange
Juice of ½ lemon

Decorations
Edible flowers (violas)

Method
Chocolate Swirled Meringues
(1) Pre-heat oven to 140°C (120°C fan-forced) and line two baking trays with baking paper. Using a thick black pen and round lid or glass, trace six 8cm (3”) circles on each sheet of baking paper, 5cm (2”) apart, to use as a guide for the size of your meringue. Turn the baking paper over so that no pen marks appear on your meringue later when baked.
(2) Place egg whites and cream of tartar in free standing mixer with whisk attachment and whisk on medium speed until frothy.
(3) Slowly add caster sugar, teaspoon by teaspoon, while continuing to whisk (this process should take approx. 10-12 minutes).
(4) Turn mixer up to high speed and continue whisking until mixture transforms into glossy thick meringue and stiff peaks form (approx. 2 minutes). If you rub a little meringue between your fingers it should feel completely smooth, with no grittiness of undissolved sugar.
(5) Spoon or pipe meringue onto baking paper circles, drizzling a little chocolate onto each one, then using a teaspoon or palatte knife, swirl each meringue surface and indent each centre to create nests.
(6) Place trays in oven on bottom shelves and turn the oven down to 120°C (100°C fan-forced). Bake for 80 minutes, then turn oven off without opening the oven door and leave trays in for at least another 60 minutes to allow the meringues to cool down slowly.

Chantilly Cream
(1) Whisk cream, sugar and vanilla in free-standing mixer or using a hand-held electric whisk until soft peaks form.

Blood Orange Curd
(1) Lightly whisk egg yolks and sugar together in large clean bowl until pale and thick but not frothy.
(2) Melt butter, juice and zest together in a medium saucepan over low heat.
(3) Add egg yolk and sugar mixture to saucepan and stir constantly over low-medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (approx. 7-10 minutes).
(4) Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

To Serve
(1) To serve, place meringues on serving platter, spoon with chantilly cream and blood orange curd, and decorate with edible flowers.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Swirled Meringues + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Credits and Sources
Azaela flower plates from Kinfolk and Co.
Napery from Red House VT

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Filed Under: Meringues & Pavlovas Tagged With: Blood orange, Chocolate, Meringue, Orange

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Salma Sabdia | Food Photography

Hi, I’m Salma, and I love creating beautiful images and sweet treats. If you’re looking for a little baking inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

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Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and rememb Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
~ Max Ehrmann

Love this quiet scene at Pappa Sven. It was actually a test shot of the lighting, my first shot of the day. The lovely Libby had handed me a bud vase filled with a casual spray of flowers picked from one of Pappa Sven’s flower pots, and I had set out a few unfrosted coconut cupcakes on a her lovely cake stand, getting them ready to glam up with roasted strawberry icing.

I never usually care too much for my test shots, they are what they are, and I often prefer my last shots of a session, when the cakes are cut, the crumbs are scattered and the drizzles have dripped in their imperfectly perfect ways. And I’ve had a sneaky chance to indulge in whatever dessert I have prepared, all in the name of good photography and recipe testing.

But it’s true what they say, there’s a first time for everything, and this photo may actually be my favourite of the whole shoot, a genuine moment of calm in such a cosy space.

And if I had it my way - I’d share the full un-cropped version with you, that included the beautiful detail of the brick wall across the top of the window, but as Instagram would have it, we are obliged to a 4:5 ratio, so alas today this crop will suffice. 

Also I am absolutely elated and humbled that the tickets to this event are selling so quickly. Thank you to those of you who have already purchased a ticket, it truly means a lot to have you share this event with us 💕

And if you missed the event details - head to my last post or click the link in my profile 😊

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Event Announcement! 💕 Join us for an intimate Event Announcement! 💕

Join us for an intimate and heartwarming Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, hosted by Salma Sabdia (@thepolkadotter) in the cosy surrounds of Pappa Sven’s Apartment (@pappasvens).

We’re raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (@nbcfaus), a cause that’s particularly close to our hearts, and we would love for you to share this special event with us.

Immerse yourself in our much loved ‘Pappa Sven’s Apartment’ and savour a selection of delectable pink-themed cakes, cookies and more, all specially crafted for this occasion. 

Event details:
Saturday 14th October at 2pm
Pappa Sven Apartment in Cooks Hill, NSW, Australia

Click the link in profile for more details and to book your ticket through the @pappasvens website.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms abs Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms absolutely stunning? 

Instagram usually has a strong dislike for my floral photography. I suspect they are too much of a departure from cakes and cookies, and it’s considered they may offend my dessert-loving audience 😂

What do you think? Do you like the occasional flower or two to start your day?

#springvibes #springflorals #ranunculus #ranunculusflower #flowerphotoshoot #bridgetbodenham #handmadeceramics #australianphotographer
SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 14 💕 We have a VERY sp SAVE THE DATE!

OCTOBER 14 💕

We have a VERY special event coming soon to one of Newcastle’s favourite spaces.

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Tickets go on sale this week, and with a very intimate gathering planned, they will be limited. Keep an eye out on our socials do you don’t miss out 😊

#strawberrycupcakes #coconutcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get you through this summer weekend weather (at the start of spring!) this divine layered ice cream of strawberry, macadamias and mango will do just the trick 💕

Created last summer for @ausmacadamias | Recipe link in profile

#strawberryicecream #mangoicecream #macadamiaicecream #icecreamdessert #summerdessert #weekenddessert #foodphotographyandstyling #australianmacadamias #queenslandstrawberries #aussiemangoes
SAVE THE DATE! Hey Newcastle! We have been plann SAVE THE DATE! 

Hey Newcastle! We have been planning a VERY special event for you 💕

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Stay tuned and keep an eye out on our socials, where we’ll be sharing all the details early next week!

#strawberrycupcakes #pappasven #pinkribbon #newcastleevents
Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating i Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating in with the soft spring breezes. It’s always one of my favourite times of the year.

Last year’s signature blood orange cake was this delicately striped Blood Orange + Earl Grey Bundt Cake, a crowd favourite that you can find on the blog.

(Along with the other twelve blood orange recipes. Yes, I just checked and would you believe there are no less than specifically THIRTEEN blood orange recipes. And I still think there’s room for number fourteen 😂). 

What’s your favourite flavour to pair with blood oranges? And are there any blood orange recipes you’d like to see this year?

#bloodorange #bloodorangecake #earlgreycake #bundtcake #teacake #springbaking #weekendbaking #foodphotographyandstyling #harrisfarm #redbellycitrus
The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshi The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshine is glorious and warms you all the way to the tips of your toes and deep inside your heart and mind.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And the beautiful shades of magnolia pink and wattle yellow are already starting to retreat, giving way to tiny green shoots. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But the nights seem to remind us that Winter will linger a little longer, and to enjoy the indulgence of cosy beverages paired with cosy knits while we still can 💕
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s the weather like in your little corner of the world?

#changeofseasons #cosynights #cosyvibes #bridgetbodenham #marimekko #unikko #teaculture
The magnolias are in full bloom again. It’s alw The magnolias are in full bloom again.

It’s always such a glorious sight to witness. Last year I shared the special story behind our magnolia tree, and I can’t help but share it again after I’ve spent the better part of the last week admiring her brilliant beauty.

The first time she flowered a few years ago, we were completely in awe. We had moved into our home in the middle of a scorching summer drought, and always wondered about this sickly tree that commanded prime position in the front yard.

So imagine our surprise when nine months after living in our home, this bare thin tired tree gave rise to the most stunning, enormous magenta magnolias. 

Every year that has followed we eagerly await the first week of August to indulge in her beauty. Her fuzzy winter coats are shed and give way to the most brilliant shade of deep pink splashed against the fresh greenery of the garden.

Such a special way to welcome in the warmer weather 💕

#magnolias #magnoliaflowers #springblooms #springbaking #flowerphotoshoot
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