Ingredients
6large egg whites
1pinchsalt
1¾cupssuperfine sugar,(see note)
3tbspnatural unsweetened cocoa powder,such as Hershey’s
1tspred wine vinegar
2ozbittersweet chocolate,finely chopped
8ozmascarpone cheese,(1 cup) cold
1½cupsheavy whipping cream,cold
¼cupsugar
1tspvanilla extract
1½cupsfresh raspberries
2ozbittersweet chocolate,grated or shaved into curls, optional
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a dark marker, draw a 9-inch diameter circle on the parchment paper by tracing around a 9-inch cake pan or plate. Flip the paper over so your meringue won’t touch the marker.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt on medium speed for about 1 minute until foamy soft peaks form.
Increase the speed to medium-high and gradually add the sugar; continue beating for 8 to 9 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Pass the cocoa powder through a sieve or sifter and add to the meringue. Add the vinegar and chopped chocolate. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the mixture until well combined. It should be a light mocha color with no white or brown streaks.
Secure the parchment paper to the baking sheet by adding a dab of meringue under each corner. Mound the meringue onto the parchment inside the circle.
Using the spatula or a butter knife, spread the meringue to fill the circle. Place in the oven and cook for 65 to 75 minutes, or until the meringue is puffed and crisp all over, yet still a bit wobbly underneath if you touch the center.
Turn off the oven, prop the oven door open, and leave the meringue in the oven to cool to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Before serving, carefully peel the meringue off of the parchment paper and place it on a serving platter.
In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla on medium speed until just combined. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until it holds soft, pillowy peaks. Do not overbeat; it should not be too stiff or grainy.
Mound the mascarpone cream onto the meringue and gently spread it out about 1-inch from the edge.
Top the pavlova with the raspberries and sprinkle the shaved chocolate over top. Cut the pavlova into wedges, wiping the knife in between slices, and serve.
