Pavlova - The Elegant Ballerina's Dessert

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Dessert

Ingredients: 8

A delicate and exquisite dessert fit for a ballerina, the Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that will captivate your taste buds with its light and airy texture, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1 cup baker's sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 ½ tablespoons baker's sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

    1. Meringue Preparation:
    2. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack positioned in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the large egg whites until stiff peaks form. Avoid using carton egg whites for optimal results. Gradually increase the mixer speed until stiff peaks are achieved, being careful not to overbeat.
    4. Add baker's sugar one tablespoon at a time, gradually increasing the mixer speed until the mixture becomes thick and glossy. The meringue should be smooth with no sugar grittiness when tested.
    5. Gently fold in the white vinegar, cornstarch, and pure vanilla extract.
    6. Using a spatula, spread the meringue mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, shaping it into a circle with a slight dimple in the center.
    7. Bake on the middle rack for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the exterior is dry and a pale cream color.
    8. Crucial Cooling Step:
    9. Once the baking time is completed, keep the Pavlova in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar for proper cooling.
    10. After approximately 30 minutes, carefully detach the set Pavlova from the parchment paper using dental floss and transfer it to a serving plate using multiple spatulas.
    11. Whipped Cream Topping:
    12. In the electric mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
    13. Sweeten the whipped cream with baker's sugar and pure vanilla extract.
    14. Assembly and Serving:
    15. Once the Pavlova has completely cooled, generously pile the whipped cream into the dimple at the center of the meringue.
    16. For an extra touch of elegance, adorn the Pavlova with a selection of blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Jul 19, 2024