Pavlova is a traditional dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is a meringue-based dessert that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and is typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The most common fruits used are kiwi, strawberries, and passion fruit, but other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or mango can also be used.
Here is a basic recipe for making pavlova:
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tsp of white vinegar
- 1 tsp of cornstarch
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Fresh fruit of your choice
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Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture.
- Once all the sugar has been added, beat the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is glossy and thick.
- Fold in the vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a circle, with the edges slightly higher than the center.
- Place the pavlova in the oven and reduce the heat to 250ยฐF (120ยฐC). Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pavlova is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven.
- Once cooled, remove the pavlova from the oven and top it with whipped cream and fresh fruit of your choice.
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Serve
Pavlova is typically served chilled and topped with a variety of sweet and fresh toppings. Some popular toppings include:
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream is a classic topping that adds a light and creamy texture to the pavlova.
- Fresh fruit: Fresh fruits such as kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, passion fruit or mango are the most common toppings. They add a nice burst of flavor and color to the pavlova.
- Fruit coulis: A fruit coulis such as raspberry or passion fruit adds a nice burst of flavor and color to the pavlova.
- Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings over the pavlova adds a touch of sweetness and a nice presentation.
- Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds adds a nice crunchy texture to the pavlova.
- Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the pavlova adds a touch of sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor.
Pavlova is a perfect dessert for special occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, or birthdays. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat on a warm summer day. It’s best to serve it chilled and it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.