Pavlova

Jeffrey A. By Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire Comment

The Pavlova holds a special place in my heart. It is one of the dishes I associate most strongly with New Zealand, where I grew up. It is also the sometime subject of fierce debate between Australia and New Zealand as to who invented it in the first place.

This recipe came courtesy of a “Derrick of New Zealand” tea towel. I like it because it is simpler to make than some other Pavlova recipes and because it really works.

Tips:

  • I go for a Pavlova meringue that is crispy outside and soft inside, so I spread out the mix 8-10 cm high on the baking sheet. If your goal is a more crispy Pav or you want to layer a couple thin, crispy sheets of it with the whipped cream, spread it thinner before baking.
  • Don’t worry too much if your meringue is cracked or a bit uneven: A good layer of whipped cream and fruit over the top will cover for any perceived imperfections.
  • I try to make these in the evening. The advice about leaving the meringue in the oven overnight is sound. Try to resist the temptation to open the oven before.
  • I can fit up to a triple batch of this spread across a baking sheet 10+ cm high in my oven. However, my KitchenAid mixer can only hold a double batch of egg whites (8) at a time.
  • Caster sugar is the fine-grained variety. It dissolves faster, so can help the consistency of your meringue mix.
  • The meringue will survive a tiny bit of over beating the egg whites. The stage after “stiff peaks” is basically “lumpy,” so don’t go crazy :-)
  • Kiwis would never sweeten or flavor their whipped cream for this. Do so at your own risk. The fruit and meringue are sweet enough.

##Ingredients

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup caster sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla essence
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • 1 tsp. vinegar

##Method

  • Preheat oven to 150°C.
  • Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  • Gradually add the sugar, beating all the time. Ensure all the sugar is dissolved (rub a little of the egg white mix between your fingertips to check).
  • The egg whites should be thick and shiny at this stage.
  • Fold the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla into the mix.
  • Turn meringue mixture out onto a baking sheet or tray.
  • Shape meringue mixture as desired (circle, rectangle) on the baking sheet, based on the result you’re going for (crispy or soft, see above)
  • Turn the oven down to 140°C, bake meringue 15 minutes.
  • Turn the oven down to 120°C, bake meringue further 75 minutes.
  • Turn oven off. Do not open! Leave overnight.
  • Immediately before serving, cover with whipped cream and fresh fruit of your choice.
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