Catherine’s show-stopping Avonmore Chocolate Meringue Cake
Are you looking for the perfect festive dessert that will impress friends and family without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen this Christmas?
Well, Catherine Fulvio has you covered with her Avonmore Chocolate Meringue Cake with Caramel Filling, Hazelnuts and Berries recipe.
This delicious meringue cake is perfect for Christmas day or a festive dinner party with family or friends, as it is one big dessert that you can place in the centre of the table and the whole family can just dig into it, instead of plating it up individually.
If time is of the essence, Catherine assures us that this is a very quick, practical recipe, that you can rustle together using leftover egg whites from other pastry and quiche dishes you may be cooking this festive season.
And, of course, a must to take the hassle of this dish and all your festive recipes is Avonmore Cream, as it comes already whipped and ready to serve, saving you lots of time in the kitchen this Christmas.
The rosemary sprigs dusted with icing sugar bring that festive feel to this dish, but this recipe is also perfect throughout the year as you can play around with the flavours and toppings.
Catherine suggests adding some mango, melon, kiwi and green grapes to change this recipe up for the Spring or throw some raspberries and strawberries on top to enjoy as a light, fresh dessert during the Summer months.
‘’The great thing about this recipe is you will have it made before your guests arrive and it is a wonderful to the table dessert. It is a real show piece that people can help themselves to and adds the wow factor to the end of any dinner party.’’
Catherine’s top serving suggestions;
‘’If you simply want to add an additional twist to this dish, just use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder or garnish with hazelnuts, a crumbled flake bar, chocolate chips or mini marshmallows.’’
Recipe
Chocolate Meringue Cake with Caramel Filling, Hazelnuts and Berries
Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients:
6 egg whites
400g caster sugar
60g chocolate, finely chopped
2 tbsp cocoa powder
For the filling
100g caster sugar
120ml water
1 cinnamon stick
250g blueberries
250g blackberries
300ml Avonmore Custard
500ml Avonmore Whipped Cream
500ml Avonmore Caramel Cream
4 tbsp toasted chopped hazelnuts
1 pomegranate, deseeded
7 rosemary sprigs dusted with icing sugar
10 mini meringues dipped in chocolate and sprinkles
Method
Preheat the oven to 140°C/fan 120°C/gas 1. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. Draw to 2 circles - 22cm in diameter, ensuring that you can see the shape through the paper.
Place the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff but not dry.
Gradually whisk in half of the caster sugar, a tablespoon at a time. Fold in the remaining caster sugar, the chocolate and the cocoa powder.
Spoon the meringue mixture into a piping bag with a plain nozzle. Following the outline of the circles, pipe small rosettes around and fill in the circle of each circle. Secure the parchment paper to the baking sheet with a little meringue mixture to ensure the paper doesn’t lift in the oven.
Bake immediately for 1½ hours until set. When they’re done, leave them in the oven with the oven door slightly open so that the meringues can cool.
Combine the caster sugar, water and cinnamon in a saucepan and bring to the boil, reduce the heat, simmer for about 5 to 6 minutes until syrup forms. Set aside to cool completely.
Remove the cinnamon stick and pour the syrup over the fruit.
Fold the Avonmore Custard and Avonmore Whipped Cream together.
To assemble, place the meringue layer on a cake stand, spoon the custard cream onto the meringue. Spoon some of the berries in the centre. Place the next meringue layer on top.
Spread Avonmore Caramel cream over the top. Arrange a few more berries on the top.
Spread the toasted hazelnuts over. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds around the edge of the meringue leaving space in the centre to pile up the mini meringues. Insert the sprigs of rosemary around.
Add a splash of magic to all your favourite dishes this Christmas with Avonmore Cream.
For more information for traditional dishes and festive favourites with a twist, visit www.CookwithAvonmore.ie.
