Recipe of the Week, July 8: Pavlova

[SweetLuci]

                          

                                               

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova. It has a crisp crust and soft, light inside.

The dessert is believed to have been created in honor of the dancer either during or after one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. The nationality of its creator has been a source of argument between the two nations for many years,.

The dessert is a popular dish and an important part of the national cuisine of both countries, and with its simple recipe, is frequently served during celebratory and holiday meals.

  Pavlova

 4 egg whites
 1 1/4 cups white sugar
 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 1 teaspoon lemon juice
 2 teaspoons cornstarch
 1 pint heavy cream
 Fresh fruit
 Strawberry jelly for garnish

1. Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 9 inch circle on the parchment paper, or for individual pavlovas, draw 3-4" circles, ovals or boat shape.  

2. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Gradually add in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until thick and glossy. Overbeaten egg whites lose volume and deflate when folded into other ingredients. Be absolutely sure not a particle of grease or egg yolk gets into the whites. Gently fold in vanilla extract, lemon juice and cornstarch.

3. Spoon mixture inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper. Working from the center, spread mixture toward the outside edge, building edge slightly. This should leave a slight depression in the center.

4. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a wire rack.

5. In a small bowl beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form; set aside. Remove the paper, and place meringue on a flat serving plate. Fill the center of the meringue with whipped cream, sweetened if desired. Top whipped cream with fresh fruit.If desired, drizzle with strawberry jelly that has been warmed in microwave to melt.

                                   

 

[SweetLuci]

I like the combination of strawberries and kiwi. The one at the top was made by my 12 year old, with a little help from me.

Quoting VanBurren:

 I really should.  The photo you have at the bottom with all the strawberries looks awesome to try.

Quoting SweetLuci:

 They are pretty impressive, but they're easy to make. You should go for it.

Quoting VanBurren:

 I have lots of recipes for pavlova, but I've never made one yet.  They're certainly pretty and fancy:)

 

 

 

[VanBurren]

 Well, that was an awesome job for a 12-year-old.....a budding little chef, huh?

Quoting SweetLuci:

I like the combination of strawberries and kiwi. The one at the top was made by my 12 year old, with a little help from me.

Quoting VanBurren:

 I really should.  The photo you have at the bottom with all the strawberries looks awesome to try.

Quoting SweetLuci:

 They are pretty impressive, but they're easy to make. You should go for it.

Quoting VanBurren:

 I have lots of recipes for pavlova, but I've never made one yet.  They're certainly pretty and fancy:)