Oh Christmas tree

For a stunning alternative to cake, make our snowy meringue tower the star of the show this year

- By Cassie Best

Magical meringue tree with winter berry compote

If you're not enthused by traditional fruitcake and want to wow your guests with something spectacular this Christmas, a tree of snow-white meringues jewelled with golden chocolate and ruby pomegranate seeds will ring the changes in style. Sweet and tangy flavours plus crisp textures offer many layers of enjoyment to match its towering scale.

SERVES 8-10 PREP 1 hr 15 mins plus cooling COOK 1 hr 30 mins MORE EFFORT V

8 egg whites about 250g; you can use the leftover yolks to make custard for a trifle) about 500g caster sugar

50g slivered pistachios available online, or use roughly chopped)

For the berry compote

500g frozen mixed red berries

1 orange, zested and juiced

50g icing sugar

For the filling

600ml double cream

250ml mascarpone

100g icing sugar drop of rosewater or vanilla extract

To decorate

chocolate-covered malted milk balls edible gold lustre dust optional)

75g pomegranate seeds

100g pink rose Turkish delight crystallised rose petals (optional) gold sprinkles optional; we used round and star-shaped) edible gold leaf (optional) gold star for the top