Chocolate Bavarian with Strawberry Cream

Name: Chocolate Bavarian with Strawberry Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (10 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed; 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin; 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sugar; 2-1/4 cups 2% milk, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; CREAM:; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 drops red food coloring, optional

Strawberries are my favorite fruit, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. This elegant, fancy-looking dessert is an easy way to impress guests.—Rachel Fankell, Grayson, Kentucky

Ingredients

1 package (10 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
2-1/4 cups 2% milk, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
CREAM:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 drops red food coloring, optional

Directions

Drain strawberries, reserving syrup. Refrigerate strawberries. Add enough cold water to syrup to measure 3/4 cup. Sprinkle gelatin over syrup mixture; let stand for 1 minute.
In a large saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, sugar and 1/2 cup milk. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Add gelatin mixture; cook and stir 1 minute longer or until gelatin is dissolved.
Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and remaining milk. Pour into a large bowl. Refrigerate until partially set, about 40 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form; fold into chocolate mixture. Transfer to a 6-cup ring mold coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
For cream, place reserved strawberries in a food processor; cover and process until pureed. In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and food coloring if desired; beat until soft peaks form. Fold in strawberry puree.
To serve, unmold Bavarian onto a serving plate. Spoon strawberry cream into center and over top of ring.