Pavlova Parfaits

Makes 4 servings

Kecia

ingredients

1 vanilla bean (7 to 8 in.)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup Muscat wine
3 cups mixed fresh berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or thinly sliced strawberries), plus extra for garnish
3 ounces crisp vanilla meringue cookies, chopped into 1/2-inch chunks
1/3 cup finely chopped unsalted pistachios

1
1. With a sharp paring knife, split vanilla bean open lengthwise. Use the knife to scrape the tiny black seeds into a small bowl; reserve pod. Add the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of the whipping cream to the bowl and mix well to separate vanilla seeds.
2
2. Cut vanilla pod completely in half lengthwise. In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan, combine vanilla pod halves, granulated sugar, and wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced to about 1/3 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Let mixture cool slightly; discard vanilla pod halves.
3
3. Stir berries into wine mixture in pan. Chill berry mixture in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours.
4
4. Meanwhile, in the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine vanilla-cream mixture and remaining whipping cream. Beat until soft peaks form.
5
5. Fold meringues into whipped cream mixture. In a 12-ounce glass, layer 1/8 of the berry mixture, 1/8 of the whipped cream mixture, and 1/8 of the pistachios. Repeat layering and top with a few fresh berries. Layer ingredients in the same order in 3 more glasses.