Chocolate Pavlova: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7 inch (18 cm) circle on the parchment paper. Turn the parchment paper over so the circle is on the reverse side.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and the cream of tartar on medium speed until you have soft peaks. Then add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat, on high speed, until the meringue is shiny and holds stiff peaks. (Test to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a little of the meringue between your fingers. The meringue should feel smooth, not gritty. If it feels gritty the sugar has not fully dissolved so keep beating until it feels smooth.) Then add the vanilla extract and vinegar and beat until combined. Using a small strainer, sift the cocoa powder and cornstarch over the top of the meringue and, with a rubber spatula, fold in. If you like you can then fold in the chopped chocolate.

Before placing the meringue on your baking sheet, put a dab of the meringue on the underside of each corner of the parchment paper. This will prevent the paper from sliding or lifting up. Then gently pile the meringue inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper, smoothing the edges.

Place the baking sheet into the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Bake the Pavlova for about 60 - 75 minutes or until the outside is dry. (The outside of the meringue will feel firm to the touch, when gently pressed. There may be some cracks and you will see that the inside is soft and moist.) Turn the oven off, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the meringue cool completely in the oven (about two hours).

The cooled meringue can be made and stored in a cool dry place, in an airtight container, for a few days. 

Shortly before serving gently place the meringue on your serving plate. Whip the cold cream and sugar in your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment (can use a hand mixer or a wire whisk), until soft peaks form. Mound the whipped cream into the center of the meringue and arrange the fruit on top of the cream. Serve immediately as this dessert does not hold well.

Makes 8 servings.

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