Stuffed oranges

The perfect dessert for spring evenings, inspired by old and simple traditions, is a choice that combines the fresh flavors of oranges with the crunchy texture of nuts and the natural sweetness of honey. Today, I will teach you how to prepare these delicious baked stuffed oranges, a healthy and substantial dessert that is sure to impress family and friends. It is ideal for dinner or a festive meal, and serving it always brings smiles.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 5

Ingredients
- 5 large oranges (make sure they are fresh and blemish-free)
- 100 g walnuts (preferably freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon honey (opt for high-quality honey for an extra flavor boost)
- 2 egg whites (from medium eggs)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt

Necessary utensils
- Knife
- Thin spoon (ideal for scooping)
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk for beating egg whites
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional)

Preparing the oranges
1. Washing the oranges: Start by washing the oranges well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities from the skin, especially since we will use the peel for serving.

2. Cutting the top: Place an orange on a stable surface and with a sharp knife, cut off a cap about 1 cm above. Be careful not to cut too deep, as the walls of the orange need to remain intact.

3. Scooping out the flesh: Using a thin spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh of the orange, taking care not to break the wall. This step may require a bit of effort, but the final result will be worth it.

4. Chopping the flesh: Once you have removed all the flesh, chop it finely and place it in a bowl.

Preparing the filling
5. Filling mixture: Add the chopped walnuts (you can also use roasted nuts for an intensified flavor) and honey to the bowl with the orange flesh. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Preparing the meringue
6. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. You can perform the bowl flip test – the meringue should remain firm and not move.

Assembling the dessert
7. Filling the oranges: Use a spoon or pastry bag to fill each orange with the walnut and flesh mixture. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed.

8. Adding the meringue: Use the beaten meringue to create “hats” on each stuffed orange. This will not only look splendid but will also add a delicious contrast in flavor.

Baking
9. Baking in the oven: Place the oranges on a baking tray (you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking) and put them in a preheated oven at 150°C. Let them bake for about 10 minutes, or until the meringue starts to brown beautifully.

10. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. These stuffed oranges are delicious both warm and cold.

Serving
Serve the stuffed oranges on an elegant platter, perhaps with a sprig of mint for a fresh look. They can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for a decadent contrast. The dish can be enjoyed alongside green tea or a dry white wine, which will highlight the fruity flavors.

Nutritional information
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, making it a healthy choice due to the vitamin content from the oranges and healthy fats from the walnuts. This dessert is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, having beneficial effects on the immune system.

Variations and suggestions
If you want to add an extra flavor, you can add a little cinnamon or cardamom to the filling mixture. Also, for a vegan version, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites and a natural sweetener instead of honey.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lemons, but you will need to adjust the amount of honey to compensate for their acidity.

2. How can I store the stuffed oranges? It is recommended to consume them fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

3. Can they be frozen? It is not recommended, as the texture of the oranges will be affected upon thawing.

This quick and simple dessert will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Cook it with love and don’t forget to share the joy of taste with those dear to you! Enjoy!