May Daring Baker's Challenge - Marquise on Meringue

The May 2011 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Emma of CookCraftGrow and Jenny of Purple House Dirt. They chose to challenge everyone to make a Chocolate Marquise. The inspiration for this recipe comes from a dessert they prepared at a restaurant in Seattle.

This was the most amazing recipe, and the finished product was sooo delicious.

At first look this seemed like a MAMMOTH task!

Four components:
Chocolate Marquise
Meringue
Caramel Sauce
Spiced Nuts

When I had a bit more of a think about things, it didn't seem so daunting.  It was just a matter of working through and making each component.  Then when they were all done it was time to put on the plate and then devour.

The original recipe had flavours of cayenne & pepper in the chocolate marquise, with a tequila caramel sauce & spicy cayenne & cinnamon nuts.

I thought I'd change the flavous a bit and went for the flavours of Muscat & Chinese 5 spice in the marquise, Muscat, orange & Chinese 5 spice in the caramel sauce, vanilla & Chinese 5 Spice crusted natural almonds & brown sugar meringue.

Sound 5 spicy, hey?!  Not So.  The flavours were lovely, and the orange in the caramel sauce contrasted with the super duper rich marquise.  The nuts were absolutely delicious and even though we were so full after eating this decadent dessert, they somehow dissappeared.

What I really loved about this challenge was learing new techniques that I'll be able to use separately in other desserts...mmm... might cook up a batch of those lovely vanilla almonds to munch on tonight.

Thanks so much for giving us such an amazing challenge, Jenny & Emma.

Here are a few pics of my Marquise on Meringue