Pavlova

It's been so long since I've baked up Pavlova - definitely one of my favorite desserts. The base is made of a meringue crust topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits such as kiwi, strawberries, blueberries. I've made it w/ chocolate (added cocoa in the egg whites) and filled it w/a peanut butter mousse and topped w/ bananas...topped it with peaches and cream...works with any topping...but the berries/kiwi combination is classic.

This was my first time making it in the Southwest - elevation difference and all, wasnt sure how it would turn out. It didnt quite bake up the way it usually does - I think I may need to adjust the oven settings. But it was still so light and delicious! Crispy on the outside...soft on the inside. Here is the recipe I use...

4 egg whites
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pint heavy cream
2 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
6 strawberries, sliced

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper - sprinkle w/a little cornstarch. Draw a 9 inch circle on the parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Gradually add in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until thick and glossy. Overbeaten egg whites lose volume and deflate when folded into other ingredients. Be absolutely sure not a particle of grease or egg yolk gets into the whites.

Gently fold in vanilla extract, lemon juice and cornstarch.

Spoon mixture inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper. Working from the center, spread mixture toward the outside edge, building edge slightly. This should leave a slight depression in the center.

Bake for 1 hour. Cool in oven for 1 hour - open door slightly.

Remove the paper, and place meringue on a flat serving plate. Fill the center of the meringue with fresh whipped cream, sweetened with powdered sugar if desired.

Top whipped cream with fruits.


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My friend Tara lost her brother - she just found out a few minutes ago. He was healthy, 40's...they think it's a heartattack. Shes on the way to the hospital w/ her sister.

I'm going home this weekend for a week, so another funeral next week. This year is turning out to be a rough one. My thoughts/prayers are with Tara and her family...we just lost Kenny and thats still raw with all of us.

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A year ago...Santa Fe...