Strawberry, Rose and Black Pepper Meringue Cake

This is my New Year celebration cake of a vanilla and black pepper sponge soaked in strawberry and kirsch syrup and filled and coated with rosewater buttercream, white chocolate coated meringues, strawberries, chopped toasted pistachios and ground black pepper.

This cake is summery in design but reflects the snowy chill of the winter. The texture is like fireworks in your mouth with a soft sponge, delicate buttercream and crunchy meringue. The flavours are perfect with a hint of black pepper giving it all an interesting kick. I think this is a very special cake for a very special time of year.