Cupcakes are so last year... Frosty meringues are the coolest new sweet treat on the table – and they make perfect party puds, as Alex Hoffler and Stacey O’Gorman show GEMMA DUNN.

If there’s one season that epitomises Alex Hoffler and Stacey O’Gorman – aka the Meringue Girls – it’s this one: the festive, glittery, party period that takes us through from Christmas into the New Year. And they’re the first to admit that they don’t do things by halves.

“We’re obsessed!” cries a passionate O’Gorman. “It’s our favourite time of year, as it’s when you can get the most sparkly.”

From elaborate pavlovas to plush, punk-pink rainbow cakes, the chefs and food stylists – both still in their twenties – have been taking the baking scene by stormwith their vibrant and pioneering creations.

“We’ve developed a whole range of Christmas meringue flavours, such as mulled wine, mince pie and candy cane, in addition to our classic rainbow cakes,” Hoffler reveals.

“We’ve also got lots that we’ve reworked, like mint choc chip, Baileys cream and chocolate orange.”

Echo:

But despite a busy termof corporate gifting, personalised orders and catering for work parties, the affable pair remain relentless in their bid to spread goodwill.

Describing their latest collaboration with Currys PC World, O’Gorman explains: “We’ve created three Christmas recipes – brown sugar pavlova, raspberry chocolate traybake and rainbowmacarons – to help inspire the nation to try something new in the kitchen.”

Hoffler promises that even the most amateur of cooks will be capable of perfecting these delicious numbers.

“None of them are out-of-this-world crazy or difficult,” she says. “The brownies are especially easy and they’re also the best brownies we’ve ever tasted. I just can’t believe they’re not that bad for you – they’re dairyfree and gluten-free, as we use coconut oil and coconut flour.”

So what do these queens of stiff peaks think is the secret to being the hostess with the mostess?

Firstly, it’s all in the prep.

“Make a lot of stuff in advance and have a really good range of kitchen products to help you do it without stress,” suggests O’Gorman.

But of course, styling is equally important.

Echo:

“We’re not really traditionalists so we like to go all out there, and that kind of makes it easier as you don’t need a full matching set,” says Hoffler, of their approach to dressing a table. “We like to pick and choose vintage pots, mix and match cutlery and that sort of thing.”

O’Gorman adds: “We use an eclectic selection of things and we go OTT on the fairy lights, glitter, sparkles and candles. Lighting is key!”

You’ll need to consider the drinks you’ll be serving, too.

“It’s all about snuggling down with your families and friends – and lots of fizz,” quips Hoffler.

Suggesting the set-up of a drinks station – which would enable guests to make their own cocktails, leaving you free to mingle or get on with other things – the like-minded twosome recommend a number of tipples that will complement their recipes.

Echo:

“For the brownie, we suggest a raspberry gin fizz, and for the pavlova, a mulled pomegranate cider,” advises O’Gorman.

“We love a prosecco – just add a bit of coulis to make a simple fruity concoction (a few squashed raspberries is yum).

Boozy, spicy hot chocolate is good as well, but we’re all about the pomegranate prosecco – it goes with everything.”

And who can blame them for wanting to toast the festivities, or New Year, with a glass of fizz or two?

O’Gorman, who trained in culinary arts in her native New Zealand, and Hoffler, a graduate from the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine, first bonded over whisked whites during their time as chefs at London Cinema Hackney Picturehouse, and later pledged to nail the sweet treat after entering – and later winning – Cooks To Market, a TV cooking contest hosted by Gizzi Erskine.

Nearly four years on and this tour de force have secured a string of big-name clients, including Alexander McQueen and Vogue, released two hit cookbooks from their East London kitchen, expanded into events and masterclasses and, most telling of all, cast shade over that trendiest of bakes, the cupcake.

  • TheMeringue Girls have partnered with Currys PC World to challenge the nation to try something new in the kitchen with a range of impressive dessert recipes. For all your baking needs, visit www.currys.co.uk/baking