Mixed Berry Pavlova with Ganache

I love dessert, but sometimes when you have a heavy dinner, the last thing you have room for is something sweet. Well, pavlova to the rescue. This dessert originates from New Zealand and is basically meringues between layers of fruit and whipped topping, and is the perfect ending to an amazing meal. Bonus is that it looks impressive, tastes delicious, and is easy to make.

For the meringues

• 1 cup superfine granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 3 large egg whites at room temperature 30 minutes

• 3 tablespoons cold water

• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Whipped Cream

• 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chilled Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Chocolate Ganache

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped in chunks

Berries

• 2 cups of berries of choice (I like a combination of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries)

Preparation

Make meringue

1. Preheat oven to 300°F with rack in middle.

2. Whisk together superfine sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.

3. Beat whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer at medium speed until they hold soft peaks. Add water (whites will loosen) and beat until whites again hold soft peaks.

4. Increase speed to medium-high and beat in sugar mixture 1 tablespoon at a time. After all sugar has been added, beat 1 minute more.

5. Add vinegar and beat at high speed until meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks, about 5 minutes (longer if using hand-held mixer).

6. Gently spread meringue into two even circles on parchment, creating identical disks that can be stacked onto each other. Bake until meringues are pale golden and have a crust, about 45 minutes (inside will still be marshmallow-like).

7. Turn oven off and prop door open slightly with a wooden spoon. Cool meringues in oven 1 hour.

Prepare Ganache

1. Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chocolate, stirring, until it's melted and smooth. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Prepare Whipped Cream

1. Beat heavy cream with sour cream using an electric mixer until it just holds soft peaks. Add sugar to lightly sweeten.

Assemble Dessert

1. Start with one meringue placed on a plate. Drizzle chocolate on top and let cool slightly before adding a layer of whipped topping.

2. Place berries on top of whipped cream in desired arrangement, then create replicate with the next meringue. Voila! you have a beautiful dessert that you’ll love, and your guests won’t believe you made. Keep refrigerated and eat within a day or two, as it’s best eaten the first day. Enjoy!