Recipe - Pavlova

Pavlova is a true Aussie favourite although it's origins are well debated - the Kiwi's claim it as theirs! Either way it's a dessert I remember well from my childhood. My Auntie Cheryl was the pavlova queen. I knew if we were having a family get together that she'd bring pavlova. I don't see her much now but when I do see her (like at my brother's recent wedding) I'm immediately reminded of the good old pav.
 

My new sister in law and I decided we'd make it our dessert for Christmas Day. Toppings can vary but the two most typical in Australia would have to be either crumbled Peppermint Crisp bar, or banana, kiwifruit and strawberry. They look so good together those three fruit and that's what we've decided on.

This recipe is from Taste.com.au : http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/14966/pavlova

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 6 (59g) eggs, separated
• 1 1/4 cups (270g) caster sugar
• 2 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 300ml thickened cream
• 2 tbs icing sugar mixture, sifted
• Finely shredded rind and juice of 2 limes
• 2 Lady finger bananas, thinly sliced diagonally
• 3 golden kiwifruit, peeled, thinly sliced
• 2 starfruit, thinly sliced
• Pulp of 2-3 passionfruit

Method

1. Preheat oven to 120°C. Line an oven tray with foil. Brush with melted butter and dust with cornflour, shaking off excess. Mark a 24cm-diameter circle on foil.
2. Use an electric mixer to whisk egg whites in a clean dry bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until meringue is thick and glossy and sugar dissolved. Rub a little meringue between fingers. If still "gritty" with sugar, continue to whisk until sugar dissolves. Add cornflour, vinegar and vanilla and whisk until just combined. Spoon meringue onto the foil, using the marked circle as a guide. Smooth sides and top of pavlova. Use a small spatula to forms little peaks around edge of pavlova. Bake in oven for 11/2 hours or until pavlova is dry to the touch. Turn off oven. Leave pavlova in oven with the door ajar to cool completely. When completely cold, transfer to serving plate or store in an airtight container until required.
3. Use an electric mixer to whisk the cream and icing sugar in a medium bowl until firm peaks form. Spoon cream onto the top of pavlova. Pour lime juice into a ceramic or glass bowl. Add banana slices and toss to coat with juice. Drain. Decorate pavlova with banana, kiwifruit, starfruit, passionfruit and lime rind.

1. 
   
2. Decorate