MOCHA CREAM DACQUOISE

MOCHA CREAM DACQUOISE image

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Pecan Meringue:
2-1/4 cups cups toasted pecans or walnuts
1-1/2 cups cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
9 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
Mocha Cream:
2 tbsp instant coffee granules
2cups whipping cream
1 cup sifted icing sugar
Garnish:
Candied coffee beans

Steps:

Pecan Meringue: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or greased and floured foil. Using 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan as guide, draw 2 circles on each paper; set aside. In food processor, process 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) of the pecans, 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the sugar and cornstarch until finely ground. In bowl and with electric beaters, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar until stiff glossy peaks form. Add vanilla. Sprinkle with half of the nut mixture; using rubber spatula, fold into egg whites. Repeat with remaining nut mixture. Divide meringue mixture among circles on baking sheets; spread evenly to fill circles. Bake in 275°F (140°C) oven for 60 to 75 minutes or until tops are firm to the touch, switching baking sheets between top and bottom racks midway through baking. Using sharp knife and same cake pan as guide, trim meringues into even circles while still hot. Slide long metal spatula under meringues to loosen; carefully transfer to wire rack and let cool completely. (Meringues can be stored in airtight container for up to 1 week.) Mocha Cream: Dissolve coffee granules in 1 tbsp (15 mL) hot water; let cool. In mixing bowl and using electric beaters, beat together cream, sugar and coffee mixture. Centre 1 meringue layer on serving plate. Place strips of waxed paper underneath meringue to protect plate from splatters. Sandwich meringues with two-thirds of the mocha cream. Spread remaining cream over top and sides. Chop remaining pecans and press into sides of cake. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Remove waxed paper. Garnish: Garnish with candied coffee beans. To serve, slice with serrated knife.