Ripe for a June dessert is Strawberry Pavlova: It's a large meringue, topped with cream and fruit, for a crisp, light and summery treat. Named after the renowned Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, it was created for her while she was on tour in Australia and New Zealand. While it is the national dessert in both countries, it’s also quite popular around the world. Make it popular at home.
Ingredients/6 servings:
MERINGUE: 4 egg whites, Pinch of salt, 1¼ cups superfine sugar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar, A few drops vanilla extract
TOPPING, 1 pound strawberries, halved or quartered, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons superfine sugar, 2 cups heavy cream
Step 1, Prepare meringue: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw on the paper using an 8- or 9- inch cake pan as a guide. Flip the parchment over so the pencil marking is facing down. In bowl of an electric mixer, combine egg whites and salt. Begin beating at low speed, slowly increasing to high. Continue until satiny peaks begin to form; gradually beat in sugar a tablespoon at a time until meringue is stiff and shiny. Sprinkle in cornstarch, white-wine vinegar and vanilla. Fold in gently. Make a onto parchment within circle, and shape into a disk, flattening top and smoothing sides. Place in oven and immediately reduce heat to 300 degrees. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off heat and allow meringue to cool completely in oven.
Step 2, For topping: In a mixing bowl, combine strawberries, vanilla, balsamic vinegar and sugar. Cover with plastic wrap. Let sit at room temperature at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Step 3, To serve: carefully peel off parchment and place meringue on a platter or cake stand. Gently crack the top with the back of a soup spoon to make a shallow nest for the whipped cream and berries. Whip cream until it is thick enough to hold peaks and spoon it evenly over meringue. Cover cream with strawberries, allowing a small amount of liquid to dribble onto cream. Serve immediately.