STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE MERINGUE

Strawberry Chocolate Meringue image

This special-occasion dessert is impressive and elegant. Strawberries are my family's favorite fruit, and they go great with chocolate. -Mary Lou Smarsh, Laurel, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

3 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted
FILLING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups whole fresh strawberries
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 teaspoons shortening

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Trace a 9-in. circle on paper. , Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in almonds., Spoon meringue evenly over circle, forming a 1-1/4-in. rim. Bake at 300° for 45 minutes. Turn oven off; leave meringue in oven for 1 hour., Remove from the oven and cool on baking sheets. When cooled completely, remove meringues from paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the cocoa, milk and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into the meringue shell. Top with strawberries., In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over berries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 calories, Fat 17g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 57mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (35g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.