RECIPE BY:

Courtney Roulston

SERVING SIZE:

6 people

Time:

Prep-15 minutes
Cook-5 minutes

INGREDIENTS :

• 8 store-bought Coles meringue nests or Pavlova base
• 680g jar pitted morello cherries
• 1/4 cup (55g) Coles caster sugar
• 150g 70% Lindt dark chocolate, chopped
• 300ml thickened cream
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• ½ cup flaked almonds
• 20 fresh cherries, pitted to garnish
• 2 tsp icing sugar to garnish

METHOD :

• Drain the cherries, reserving the juice and cherries separately.
• Place the cherry juice and caster sugar in a saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved.
• Increase heat to medium-high and simmer for 4-5 minutes until reduced to about 1 cup (250ml). Remove from heat, then add the chocolate and stir until sauce is smooth. Set aside to cool.
• Combine the cream and vanilla in a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form.
• Toast the almonds in hot pan for 2-3 minutes, or until golden.
• 
Roughly crumble the meringues or pavlova if using into a large bowl. Add in the drained morello cherries and whipped cream. Gently fold through using a large metal spoon. Place into serving bowls or glasses. Drizzle over the chocolate cherry sauce and scatter with fresh cherries and toasted almonds. Sprinkle over the icing sugar and Serve immediately. Enjoy!