Meringue, Macerated Berries, Whipped Cream and Hazelnut Sauce

Ingredients

BERRIES AND MERINGUE SHELLS

• 3 cups mixed berries, hulled (if neccessary)
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

HAZLENUT CHOCOLATE SAUCE

• 1 cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts

Directions

1. 1

   In a bowl combine the berries, 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, 1/4 cup sugar and orange zest.

2. 2

   Allow to macerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours, tightly covered, and refrigerated.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 200°F.

4. 4

   Have a large baking sheet lined with foil and greased lightly with butter.

5. 5

   In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with a mixer until soft peaks form.

6. 6

   Gradually add 3/4 cup of sugar and beat until the meringue forms stiff, shiny peaks.

7. 7

   Spoon the meringue into 6 equal mounds on the greased sheet, and using the back of a spoon, spread slightly out and make an indentation in the center.

8. 8

   Place in the oven on the middle rack for 1 hour.

9. 9

   Turn off the oven and leave in oven until dry, about 1 hour.

10. 10

    Remove from oven and transfer to a rack to cool completely.

11. 11

    In a mixing bowl beat the heavy cream to soft peaks.

12. 12

    Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the remaining Grand Marnier, and beat just until stiff peaks begin to form.

13. 13

    Place 1 meringue on each of 6 plates, and fill with 1/2 cup macerated berries.

14. 14

    Top with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top.

15. 15

    HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE SAUCE:.

16. 16

    Ina medium saucepan, bring the cream and Grand Marnier to a gently boil.

17. 17

    Remove from heat, add the chocolate and whisk until melted and well blended.

18. 18

    Whisk in the hazelnuts and cover to keep warm until needed.