PAVLOVA

Pavlova is one of my ultimate favourite deserts to make. It is so easy, and the meringue is a real crowd pleaser. Pavlova is a meringue cake - light and fluffy and there is a longstanding debate about the origin of the cake. It was either invented in New Zealand or Australia but the name Pavlova was chosen in honor of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. (She toured both New Zealand and Australia in 1926)

I usually make this at Christmas as a desert when all my high-school girlfriends come over for dinner, and they love it! I made it last night for a dinner party and it was a huge success. The only thing with meringues is that they are somewhat temperamental - so don't try to make them on a rainy day because you wont end up with the stiff peaks you need. Here is the recipe - SO EASY!

Pavlova

Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or cream of tartar
- 1 pack of raspberries
- 4 kiwis
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 half pint whipping cream (250ml)

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F 
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper 
- Separate egg yolks and egg whites (it is easier to do this when the eggs are cold)
- In the bowl of your electric mixer (Kitchen Aid Mixers work very well) beat the egg whites on medium - high speed until they hold soft peaks
- Slowly add in the sugar, a tablespoon at a time and continue to beat until the meringue hold stiff peaks and is somewhat glossy looing
- Make sure the meringue is smooth not gritty (if it feel gritty the sugar is not dissolved so keep beating until the meringue feels smooth)
- With a spatula fold in vinegar and cornstarch until combined
- On your parchment paper draw a large circle, and fill in with meringue (make sure the edges of the meringue are higher than the center)
- Bake for 1 hr or until golden brown

To assemble: 

- Whip the whipping cream and add in vanilla and 2tbsp sugar for flavor
- Place whipping cream a top the meringue (do this right before you are ready to serve, otherwise the meringue will be soggy)
- Sprinkle raspberries and kiwi over the top (you can really use any fruit you like)
- Serve immediately