The Pavlova is a typical Australian Dessert and is one of my favorites. As I make this for friends and family in the U.S. they are quickly becoming addicted to this treat. It is a light meringue pie filled with whipped cream and topped with your favorite fruit, chocolates or whatever you like. MINI PAVLOVA
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cup sugar*
1 teaspoon Corn Starch
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 Egg Whites
1 teaspoon White Vinegar
5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Boiling Water**
* Sugar is a little more granulated here in America, so in order to make this a smooth pavlova, blitz the sugar in the blender for 30 seconds
** 1 tablespoon in Australia equals 4 teaspoons. 1 tablespoon in America equals 3 teaspoons. Just FYI, if you're planning to use any Australian recipe.
METHOD
Before you start, make sure all your equipment and utensils are completely grease free as it will change the texture of the pavlova. Place all ingredients into a bowl, beat at a high speed for 15 minutes. At first this looks very watery and like it isn't enough to make anything but watch... It quickly thickens, thanks to the corn starch, and turns a bright white.
After it has been beaten for 15 minutes, pipe the meringue onto a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. If you don't have parchment paper, greased foil works well too!! I used Wilton Tip #1M and a disposable decorating bag in order to achieve the look below. Pipe in a circular motion and create a nest look by adding an extra layer to the outer edge of the pavlova.
Place this in a 300 degree oven for 33 - 35 minutes. It won't change shape, or expand. It will look the same going in as it does coming out of the oven. It will harden but is still relatively fragile. Let cool completely on the tray before filling and decorating. Use a light touch when transporting the pavlova from the tray to any other surface.
Fill or top with whipped cream, or pudding, and top with your favorite fruit. If you choose to use whipped cream, make sure to decorate right before serving as the whipped cream tends to lose its' fluffiness and turns to liquid.
Enjoy!!
