Mini pavlova with yogurt and chocolate cream

Mini Pavlova with Yogurt Cream and Chocolate: An Elegant Delight

If you're looking for a dessert that impresses both in appearance and taste, look no further. Mini Pavlova is the perfect choice! A combination of crispy meringue, smooth cream, and decadent chocolate, this dessert brings a touch of elegance to your table. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8 mini Pavlovas

Necessary ingredients

For the meringue base:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g granulated white sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 vanilla pod
- 500 ml whole milk (can be replaced with soy milk)
- 400 g creamy yogurt (or cream cheese, mascarpone)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A pinch of turmeric (for a touch of color and health)

For the border:
- 100 g dark chocolate

For decoration:
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, raspberries, apricots, etc.)

Preparing the mini Pavlovas

1. Separating the eggs: Start by washing the eggs under cold water. Then, separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is recommended to use a small bowl for each egg white, ensuring that no yolk gets into the mixture. This way, if one egg is bad, you won't ruin all the separated eggs.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and add a pinch of salt. Turn on the mixer at medium speed until the egg whites become frothy and start to whiten. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix for about 20 minutes until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.

3. Preparing the baking tray: In the meantime, prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. It is essential to use parchment paper to prevent the meringue from sticking.

4. Baking the meringue: Use a piping bag to form meringue nests on the parchment paper, leaving about 4-5 cm between them. Bake the meringues at medium to low heat for about 40 minutes. After baking, let them cool in the oven for a few minutes to avoid cracking.

5. Preparing the cream: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla seeds, and the vanilla pod. Start whisking with a whisk and gradually add 50 ml of milk. Once you have a smooth mixture, add the remaining milk. Transfer the pot to low heat and stir continuously until the cream thickens. Remove the vanilla pod and let the cream cool.

6. Combining the yogurt: In another bowl, mix the yogurt with a little powdered sugar. Once the cream has cooled, incorporate it into the yogurt mixture along with a pinch of turmeric. This will add a golden hue and a health boost!

7. Filling the meringues: Ensure that the meringues are completely cooled. Use the piping bag again to fill each meringue nest with the yogurt cream.

8. Decorating with chocolate: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler, being careful not to burn it. Cut a strip of parchment paper to the size of each nest and draw a simple design with the melted chocolate. Let it cool for a minute, then wrap the edge of each Pavlova with the chocolate.

9. Final cooling: Transfer the mini Pavlovas to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the chocolate to harden.

10. Serving: When you are ready to serve, take the Pavlovas out of the refrigerator and carefully remove the parchment paper. Dress them with fresh fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or apricots, for a perfect contrast of flavors.

My personal tip: This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a festive meal, or simply a family evening. You can experiment with different types of yogurt or add extra flavors to the cream, such as a bit of orange or lemon for an even fresher taste!

Nutritional information: One serving of Mini Pavlova has approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The creamy yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while fresh fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can try alternative sweeteners, but the final result may vary.
- What type of chocolate is recommended? Dark chocolate pairs best to balance the sweetness of the meringue and cream.

Mini Pavlova with yogurt cream and chocolate is a culinary experience that combines textures and flavors, bringing a touch of refinement to your table. I hope you enjoy making this recipe and delight your family and friends with this delicious dessert!