Pavlova

With the cold crisp dry air we have been having. . . .I decided to make Pavlova since it turns out the very best when the air is dry. This is one of the easiest desserts to make. . . if you can beat an egg. . . and whip some cream. . .you can do this.

Pavlova

Prepare your baking sheet first. Lay down a strip of parchment paper or waxed paper on your cookie sheet. Lay a luncheon sized plate down in the center and trace around it. It will enlarge to fit on a dinner sized plate.

Preheat your oven to 300. I did mine in a convection oven at 275.

• 4 egg whites.. . . separate each egg into a little cup before adding it to your glass or metal bowl that has had a warm water wash to free it from grease.
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

1. Beat your egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl with a stand mixer or a hand mixer . . .until soft peaks form.
2. Slowly add your sugar.
3. Combine the vinegar and the cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to the egg white while you are beating.
4. Add the vanilla. . .and beat until very stiff. You should be able to turn your bowl upside down. . safely. . .but really do you want to try?
5. Spread the egg whites onto the parchment paper. . . just to the edges of your tracing.
6. Bake for an hour. . .open up the oven and have a peek. . the meringue should feel dry and no longer soft. If need be. . leave it in another 10 minutes and check.
7. Leave the meringue in the oven and turn it off. Leave in until completely cooled.
8. May be made ahead.

Beat 2 cups of whipping cream. . . spread over top the meringue just before serving.

Slice kiwi. . . and put pomegranate seeds on top for a Christmas dessert or strawberries and kiwi. . .whatever is pretty and in season.

To easily remove the seeds from the pomegranate. . ahead of time. Slice the pomegranate in half. . .break apart the membranes from the seeds. If you put the roughly removed seeds into a bowl with water. . .the membranes will rise to the top. . .Drain the seeds in a colander.