← All recipes

Hazelnut and chocolate 'vacherin

This Hazelnut and chocolate 'vacherin recipe uses Vanilla Extract, Cornflour, and Icing Sugar Sifted Plus Extra To Serve. Scale it up or down for the number of people at the table.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp
• 2 tsp
• 1 tbsp

Method (preview)

1. 1

   For the hazelnut meringues, dry-fry the hazelnuts in a frying pan over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until toasted and golden-brown, shaking the pan regularly.

2. 2

   Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

3. 3

   Once cooled, chop roughly.

4. 4

   Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed. (The egg whites are ready when you can turn the bowl upside down without the eggs sliding out.)

5. 5

   Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition.

6. 6

   Whisk in the vanilla extract and cornflour until well combined.

7. 7

   The meringue mixture should now be glossy and resemble shaving foam.

8. 8

   Fold all but a few of the chopped hazelnuts into the meringue mixture.

9. 9

   Bake the two larger meringues, one above the other, for 1½ hours, switching their positions halfway through cooking. (Reduce the oven temperature if the meringues start to brown too much.) Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

10. 10

    Cook the third meringue in the same way (if they can all fit into the oven at once, so much the better).

11. 11

    Add the chocolate pieces to the bowl and stir until melted.

12. 12

    Allow to cool for a few minutes.

13. 13

    Meanwhile, whip the cream with the icing sugar until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed.

14. 14

    Fold in the crème fraiche until well combined.

15. 15

    Top the first meringue with the second of the same size and repeat the filling process.

16. 16

    Finally, add the smaller meringue to the tower and fill as before, drizzling over all of the remaining chocolate and sprinkling with the raspberries and reserved toasted hazelnuts.

17. 17

    Dust with icing sugar and serve.