Berries adorn the top of a fluffy, airy chocolate meringue dessert

Tag : Berries Extract


This stunning chocolate meringue piled high with whipped cream andfresh berries looks over the top, but this airy dessert won't weighyou down. For a plain meringue, simply leave out the cocoa powder.
Chocolate Berry Pavlova
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
6 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1¼ cups superfine white sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups heavy cream
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups assorted fresh berries (if large, sliced)
Fresh mint leaves, to garnish (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchmentpaper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cocoa powder.Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whitesand salt on medium-high until they form soft peaks, about 2minutes. With the mixer running, slowly sprinkle in the sugar andbeat until the eggs form stiff peaks.

4. With the mixer on low, add the vinegar and almond extract. Withthe mixer still running, sprinkle in the cornstarch mixture andbeat until just incorporated.

5. Carefully spoon the mixture onto the center of the preparedbaking sheet, using a rubber spatula to gently spread it into abouta 12-inch circle (about 2 inches thick) with a slight dip at thecenter. The mixture should resemble a thick, hollow bowl.

6. Bake for 1½ hours, then turn off the oven and allow themeringue to cool for 1 hour in the oven.

7. Once the meringue has cooled and just before serving, make thewhipped cream. In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, powderedsugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat until verythick.

8. To assemble the pavlova, carefully remove the meringue from theparchment paper and place on a large serving tray or platter. Moundthe whipped cream in the center, then top with fresh berries. Ifdesired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
To serve, use a serrated knife to cut the pavlova into wedges.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.