Divinely different with chunks of chocolate, a touch of salt and a sudden chilli kick.

Makes 25

Ingredients

6 large egg whites, at room temperature
pinch salt
300g caster sugar
60g (1/2 cup) dark cocoa, sifted
1/2 tspn dried chilli flakes
120g quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped into small pieces
100g hazelnuts, toasted, roughly chopped
1/4 tspn freshly ground black peppercorns
1/2 tspn sea salt flakes
2 tbspn (30g) dark cocoa, extra 

Method

Preheat the oven to 150C (130C fan forced). Line two baking trays with baking paper. 

Attach the wire whisk and mixing bowl to the stand mixer. Place the egg whites and salt into the mixing bowl. Turn mixer to speed 6 and beat to soft peaks. Increase to speed 8 and continue beating adding the sugar in 3 batches, beating well in between each addition. The meringue will be very thick and glossy white.

Add the cocoa and half the chilli. Beat on speed 1 until combined.

Dollop small amounts of the mixture onto the prepared trays. Gently poke in the chocolate chunks and hazelnuts. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until very firm. Allow to cool completely in the oven with the door ajar.

Sprinkle with a little pepper, salt and remaining chilli. Dust with cocoa and serve immediately. 

Tips

Tip 1:Meringues can be made the day before serving and stored in an air tight container.