Chocolate martyrs dessert

The chocolate meringue dessert is a true delicacy that blends tradition with a touch of modernity, offering sweet lovers an unforgettable experience. These meringues are an excellent choice to add a sprinkle of joy to any meal, whether it's a celebration or just an ordinary day. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare them, along with some useful tips and delicious variations.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Number of servings: approximately 58 meringues

Ingredients

- 2 kg flour
- 5 eggs
- 500 g sugar
- 1 liter milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 25 g dry yeast
- Grated zest from 1 orange
- 5 teaspoons cinnamon
- Oil (for kneading)
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 3 bars of milk chocolate (without filling)
- 1 teaspoon butter

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl, creating a well in the center. Here, add the sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, eggs, and vanilla essence. These aromatic ingredients will give the dough a special taste and aroma.

Step 2: Activating the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast with a little warm milk. This will activate the yeast, preparing it to make the dough rise. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture into the well in the flour. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands, gradually adding the remaining milk. Continue kneading the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. This is where you can add a little oil to achieve a fine texture.

Step 4: Rising the Dough
After kneading the dough well, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. Here you can relax and enjoy a tea or coffee, knowing that your dough is rising beautifully.

Step 5: Shaping the Meringues
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Divide it into equal pieces and shape them into sticks that you will form into 8s. These shapes are characteristic of meringues and give them an attractive presentation.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Arrange the meringues on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes or until golden. The delicious aromas will fill your home during this time, preparing you for the delight that follows.

Step 7: Chocolate Glazing
While the meringues are baking, prepare the chocolate glaze. Melt the milk chocolate in a bain-marie along with a teaspoon of butter. This will provide a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Step 8: Finishing and Serving
Once the meringues have cooled slightly, take them and dip them in the melted chocolate, then sprinkle ground walnuts on top. This combination will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions
These chocolate meringues are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or savor them alongside a fragrant tea, such as mint tea or black tea.

Variations
For a more exotic flavor, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the dough or experiment with different types of chocolate (dark or white). You can also make a honey glaze instead of chocolate, combining it with ground walnuts for a different taste and interesting texture.

Nutritional Benefits
These meringues provide a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs, and a moderate amount of healthy fats from the walnuts. The milk chocolate adds a boost of antioxidants, while cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be a bit denser. It is recommended to adjust the liquid amount since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

2. What can I do with leftover meringues?
If you have leftover meringues, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven or use them as an ingredient in a parfait with yogurt and fruits.

3. How can I make meringues gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, you can use a special gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent, such as psyllium or xanthan gum.

Conclusion
The chocolate meringue dessert is not only a simple and delicious recipe but also an opportunity to experiment and create unforgettable moments in the kitchen. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these delights will surely please everyone. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors, enjoying every bite!