Black Forest Pavlova

This is my summery pavlova, using seasonal fruit. It features a chocolate meringue base made with cocoa powder and chopped chocolate, topped with whipped cream, cherries in a kirsch syrup and fresh cherries.

The meringue itself is crisp on the outside and has the desired chewy centre. The dark chocolate gives a richness to it but isn't bitter due to the sweetness of the meringue. It did crack, but this is partly due to my impatience and opening the oven, but also the tendency of chocolate meringues to crack anyway. I do think this gives it a more informal and inviting look. The cream topping isn't very sweet but is just right with the fruit and meringue base. The kirsch gives the cherry flavour a boost and marries the whole thing together. This is definitely a winning pavlova, I can't think of much that is better!