New Zealand Pavlova

Nif's Note:

Pavlova is a traditional dessert in New Zealand. It is a meringue base that is topped with whipped cream and fruit, usually kiwifruit. Children's birthday cakes are often pavlovas in New Zealand and may be decorated with candy. As with all meringues, this is best made on a dry day as high humidity can affect the end result. If you want a larger pavlova, just keep adding layers - you might want to make the bottom one a big wider so the creation doesn't tip! You must let the meringue sit for a few hours and I did not include that time. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 egg whites
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup superfine sugar (caster sugar, berry sugar, or regular sugar blitzed in a food processor until grains are half their )
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fruit, sliced (kiwifruit, berries, peaches, etc.)
• 1 1/2 cups lightly sweetened whipped cream (just add sugar to it, to taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F Line a shallow baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large dry bowl, sprinkle cream of tartar over egg whites and beat until stiff. Whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the egg whites a tablespoon at a time, while beating on medium speed, until all ingredients are combined. The meringue should be shiny, white, and stiff. Fold in vanilla extract.
3. Reduce oven heat to 200°F Mound the meringue on the baking sheet in a round shape about 6 inches in diameter. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven, leaving meringue in the oven until it is cold or overnight.
4. Top with whipped cream and arrange fruit over top.
5. Use a serrated knife to gently saw slices. It is best to eat when first made but you can store leftovers in a covered container.

Reviews

[breezermom]

Who knew? An Australian/New Zealand Pavlova is just a meringue crisped up! I've been making meringues by my grandma's knee since I was 3. I've always had them on top of pies, not with things piled on top of them....but hey, why not? Delicious and easy. Just a very long bake time for the summer here....really hot kitchen in the Southern US! Made for ZWT8. Thanks for sharing!

[jpagan29]

Wow! Easy, quick to put together and yummy! My son said this is the best thing he's ever eaten! Made individual pavlovas for a lunch with friends and it was a hit! I will be making this often!

[gailanng]

If no one's looking, I'd normally skip dinner and go right for the dessert. I've outdone myself, though. I assembled this gorgeous dessert this morning and ate it for breakfast. Oh, I made several smaller rounds, topped with a homemade mango filling and then fruit. I admit, I'm weak and couldn't help myself; it was calling me by name...wouldn't you agree? Made for Potluck Tag.