Ingredients
For the oranges:
4 oranges
100g/3½oz sugar
100ml/3¼fl oz warm water
1 cinnamon stick
pinch of allspice
For the meringues:
200g/7oz sugar
3 egg whites
Method
For the oranges, Method 1:
1. Tip the sugar into a very clean non-stick pan and cook on a high heat for about 1-1½ minutes to make a caramel.
2. Once all the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and gradually add the warm water, stirring all the time. Be careful that the mixture doesn t spit.
3. Add the spices and leave to one side.
For the oranges, Method 2:
1. Pour the water into a saucepan and add the sugar and spices. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the oranges. Grate the outer skin and put the zest into the sauce, then peel them to get rid of the pith using a sharp knife - or just remove the peel with your hands.
3. Leave the oranges whole.
4. To serve, place each orange into a meringue nest and drizzle over the syrup.
For the meringues:
1. In a very clean bowl whisk together the egg whites with a pinch of sugar until they are just beginning to form peaks. Continue whisking and gradually add the sugar until it is all incorporated and the mixture is stiff.
2. Swirl the mixture onto a non-stick baking sheet, making 4 separate nests. Bake in the oven at a very low heat until the meringues have dried out.
