This lovely dessert is my final ode to our trip and England. Not that it is really considered an English dish, I believe the Russians and Aussies are still arguing over who invented it, but the Pavlova is a sweet that is served up a lot in England and it was the dessert I had most often while I was living there.
The combination of the crunchy outside of the meringue, soft light-as-air marshmallow like inside, whipped cream topping and fresh berries makes the Pavlova a little slice of heaven.
I use less sugar in my version of this recipe and I don’t mess with the fruit too much as I think it is the contrast of the slightly tart but sweet berries that gives balance to this dessert, however, I always use organic berries, my favorite being Driscoll’s organic berries.
- 4 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup sugar for the meringue
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons sugar for the whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 ½ pints of assorted berries (I used Driscoll's organic strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar for the fruit (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Draw a 9-inch circle on the paper, using a 9-inch plate as a guide, then turn the paper over so the circle is on the reverse side.
- Place the egg whites and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or use a handheld electric mixer.
- Beat the egg whites on high speed for 1-2 minutes until firm. Slowly add in the sugar while continuing to whip until the mixture is firm with shiny peaks, about 2 minutes.
- Sift the cornstarch onto the beaten egg whites, add the vinegar and vanilla, and fold in lightly with a spoon or spatula.
- Pile the meringue into the middle of the circle on the parchment paper and smooth it within the circle, making a rough disk. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and allow the meringue to cool completely in the oven, about 1 hour. It will be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
- While the meringue is cooling, prepare the whipped cream by placing the cold cream in a bowl and whipping it with an electric mixer until it is thickened. Add the sugar and almond extract and continue to whip just until it holds peaks but don’t over-whip or it will curdle.
- Carefully remove the meringue from the parchment and place on a serving plate.
- Just before serving, very gently spread the whipped cream on the top of the meringue.
- Combine the strawberries, blueberries and raspberries in a bowl and toss with a little sugar if desired and then pile the fruit on top of the whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Discover more from Epicurean Eva
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The vacation, the photos, and the Pavlova…all just gorgeous!
Thank you! Yes, it was so wonderful. We’re back in Boulder now catching our breath and enjoying the spring. Hope all is well with you!
This looks so delicious and beautiful photos as well
Thank you, Chichi! I see you live in the UK. I spent many years there and was just visiting a few weeks ago in London and Henley. There are some incredible new restaurants in London! It’s a beautiful country and it was such fun to have a few days there. Thank you so much for stopping by. Eva
You are welcome Eva. I live in London though i’m not originally from UK. I totally agree with you on the incredible new restaurants in London.The food is so diverse nowadays. What places did you visit in London?
One of the restaurants that I loved was Polpetto in Soho on Berwick Street. It was so cozy and the food was amazing!
lovely photos. the pavlova looks great!
Thank you very much! The Pavlova was devoured by my husband and me immediately after I took photos! Dessert for dinner – nothing wrong with that is there? Thanks so much for visiting my blog! Eva