My absolute specialty is an old favorite with a twist:
Spiced Orange & Chocolate Layered Pavlova
Ingredients:
Spiced Orange & Chocolate Layered Pavlova
Ingredients:
- Meringue Layers:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Ganache:
- 200-250g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 200-250ml heavy cream
- Spiced Orange Compote:
- 3 large oranges, peeled and segments cut out
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise (I get it, not everyone likes it... )
- 1 tsp ground ginger (same as above)
- Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Pomegranate seeds
- Edible gold leaf (optional)
- Prepare the Meringue Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add sugar, beating until the meringue is glossy.
- Gently fold in vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla extract.
- Divide the meringue between the baking sheets, forming two circles.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool inside with the door ajar.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour over chopped chocolate, let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Spiced Orange Compote:
- In a saucepan, combine orange segments, juice, sugar, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger.
- Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the oranges are tender and the sauce has thickened. Let it cool.
- Whip the Cream:
- Whip the cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks.
- Assemble the Pavlova:
- Place one meringue layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream, then drizzle some chocolate ganache over it.
- Spoon half of the spiced orange compote on top.
- Gently place the second meringue layer on top and repeat the layers of cream, ganache, and compote.
- Garnish with fresh mint, pomegranate seeds, and edible gold leaf.
- Serving:
- Let the Pavlova sit for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.