Pavlova

Tags: #dessert #australian #meringue #berries #light Serving: 8 portions Total time: 3 hours

A delicate meringue dessert with crispy exterior and marshmallow center, topped with cream and fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 200g caster sugar
• 5ml vanilla extract
• 5ml white vinegar
• 10g cornstarch
• 300ml heavy cream
• 30g powdered sugar
• 400g mixed berries
• 15ml honey
• 10g mint leaves for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 150°C
2. Draw 23cm circle on parchment paper
3. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form
4. Gradually add caster sugar, beating until stiff and glossy
5. Beat in vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch
6. Spoon meringue onto parchment circle
7. Shape into nest with raised edges
8. Place in oven and immediately reduce to 120°C
9. Bake for 90 minutes until crisp
10. Turn off oven and cool completely inside
11. Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form
12. Toss berries with honey
13. Transfer pavlova to serving plate
14. Fill center with whipped cream
15. Top with honeyed berries
16. Garnish with mint leaves

Notes

Named after ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert should have a crispy shell with a soft, marshmallow-like interior. Avoid making on humid days as meringue can become sticky.