Pavola
The Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, is a testament to baking mastery, celebrated for its crisp exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior. This dessert, caught in a spirited debate between Australia and New Zealand regarding its origin, beautifully combines egg whites, sugar, and a few other ingredients, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. It requires a delicate balance and precise technique to achieve the perfect texture and flavor, making it a stunning masterpiece that’s both simple and elegant.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 6.
Ingredients
- Egg whites: 4 (large)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Cream of tartar: 1/2 teaspoon (2g)
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (8g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Heavy cream (for whipping): 1 cup (240ml)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries): 2 cups (300g)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Optional for garnish: mint leaves, grated chocolate, or edible flowers
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating continuously, until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
- Fold in the cream of tartar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract gently until well combined.
- Scoop the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a circular shape with a spatula. Create a slight well in the center for the whipped cream and fruit topping.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meringue is crisp and dry. Turn off the oven and let the Pavlova cool completely inside.
- Once cooled, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled meringue base.
- Top with fresh berries and, if desired, garnish with mint leaves, grated chocolate, or edible flowers before serving.
Creating Pavlova is an artful endeavor that rewards patience and precision with a dessert that balances crispness, creaminess, and fruitiness in every bite. This recipe, while simple in its ingredient list, challenges the baker to achieve the perfect texture and flavor profile. The result is a visually stunning and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Sugar: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 55mg