Swirled Chocolate Pavlova

Ingredients

• 120 g dark (70%) chocolate ((4.2oz))
• 3/4 cup egg whites (approximately 6 large eggs), room temp
• 1 1/2 cups caster (superfine) sugar ((300g / 10.5oz) (notes))
• 3 teaspoons corn flour (cornstarch)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar ((notes))
• 1 cup thickened cream (heavy cream)
• 2 cups mixed fresh fruit ((notes))

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring well between each until only just melted. Set aside to cool a little.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 120C / 245F / 110C fan forced. Trace around an 8 inch cake tin with pencil onto a sheet of baking paper. Place another sheet on top and set aside.

3. 3

   In a stand mixer, with the whisk attachment (or using a handheld beater), beat the egg whites on low-medium to soft peak stage. About 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Sift over the corn flour and cream of tartar and whisk for a few seconds, just long enough to incorporate it in.

5. 5

   Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, counting to 20 between each. Once all the sugar is all added, increase the speed to medium-high (not highest setting) and continue to whisk until the egg whites are thick and glossy and at stiff peak stage.

6. 6

   Test the mixture by rubbing a little between your finger and thumb. It should be smooth. If it is still grainy, keep beating until it is smooth when you test it.

7. 7

   Pour the cooled, melted chocolate evenly over the top and just fold through carefully once only. No more, it will swirl more as you shape it.

8. 8

   Take the sheet of baking paper with the circle on it and dot little bits of meringue under the corners and press it down onto the tray. Do the same with the second sheet and place that on top.

9. 9

   Use a spatula to spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking tray and gently coax it into the shape of a circle using the drawn line as a guide. Now make small sweeps from the bottom to the top all the way round and finally level the top out.

10. 10

    Place in the oven and bake for 1 ½ hours then turn the heat off and leave the pavlova in the oven, undisturbed, for at least 2 hours (notes). Once out of the oven it will need a little longer to cool completely.

11. 11

    Once cool, top the pavlova with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

12. 12

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