Meringue Nest with Orange Curd. An International Incident.

Yep, it's that time of the month again and this month's theme had me baffled.  Eggs. There were so many possibilities.  Sweet or savoury? Should the dish be made of eggs or look like eggs?

I had a light bulb moment and made a savoury dish.  It turned out great and Hubby loved it however I wasn't happy with the way the photos turned out.  So I've decided that I will make that dish again and take better photos and post another day for you all.

I, then thought of a sweet dish as I was flicking through one of my cook books. I was inspired and came up with this.

Meringue nest with orange curd.  I am so happy with the way my dish turned out.  This is not only looks like an egg but the main ingredient of both components is egg.  

The meringue turned out light.  Crunchy on the outside and soft and airy in the middle.  The orange curd was full of flavour and had the same consistency of a runny egg yolk.

Meringue Nests : (makes 6 nests)

75ml egg whites (2-3 eggs)

1/2 cup caster sugar

1 tsp cornflour

1/2 tsp white vinegar

Preheat fan forced oven to 130degC .

Place the egg whites into the bowl of an electric mixer and beat till soft peaks form.  Gradually add the sugar and beat until glossy.  Sift the cornflour over the mixture and fold through with the vinegar.

Place 1/3 cup portions of the egg white mixture onto baking trays lined with baking paper and shape into nests.  Place in the oven, then reduce the temperature immediately to 100degC.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.  Turn off oven and leave the meringues in with the door ajar to cool completely.

Orange curd: (makes 1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup orange juice

zest of 1/2 orange

100g butter

1/2 cup caster  sugar

3 egg yolks plus 1 egg

In a saucepan, over medium-low heat, place the orange juice and the butter.  Stir until the butter is melted.  Add the sugar and egg and egg yolks.  Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7minutes).  Leave to cool completely before using.

Make sure when you want to assemble the dish, both the meringue and orange curd has been cooled completely.  Both components can be made a day ahead.

Other party goers: