Pavlova.. It's Mini Pavlova's served for this special day!!

Happy Valentine's Day !!

Pavlova is supposed to be the National dessert of Aussies :) . It is meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft and light inside. It is an integral part for Christmas lunch menu and yes I did bake Pavlova the first time during dec. We were in love with the very first bite of it.

As for this Valentines day, I'm baking P&P (Pizza & Pavlova) for my family :) I had plan only to make Pizza today; Sathya insisted he wanted a dessert to go with Pizza. I baked Mini Pavlova's this time; just halved the below mentioned ingredients.

The above snap was my first Pavlova attempt.

Recipe Source: Joy of baking

Ingredients:

Egg whites - 4 large, at room temperature
Caster sugar - 1 cup
Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
White vinegar - 1 tsp
Cornflour - ½ tbsp

For Topping:

Whipping cream - 1 cup
Granulated sugar - 1½ tbsp
Vanilla extract - ½ tsp
Fresh fruits to garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 130°C. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Draw a 20cm circle on the paper, place on the tray, circle side down.
• Use an electric mixer to whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking for 1 minute after each addition. Once all the sugar has been added, continue to whisk on high for 3 minutes, until the meringue holds very stiff and shiny peaks.
• Test to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a little of the meringue. The meringue should feel smooth, not gritty. If it feels gritty the sugar has not fully dissolved so keep beating until it feels smooth between your finger.
• Combine cornflour, vinegar and vanilla essence. Add to meringue and whisk until just combined.
• Use a spatula to spread meringue over the circle, smoothing the surface and sides. Use a palette knife to draw the meringue mixture upwards around the edge to create furrows. This will help support the sides of your pavlova, and prevent it from cracking too much and collapsing.
•  Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes - the pavlova should be dry to the touch. Turn off the oven and leave to cool completely.
• For topping, whip the cream with electric mixer and add sugar, vanilla extract.
• Scoop the whipped cream and decorate with fruits.
• Chill for 30 minutes and serve.

Notes:

After baking the Pavlova, turn the oven off. Leave it in the oven, with door ajar, for up to 6 hours to cool completely. If you remove the Pavlova when it's still warm it will cool too quickly, and may crack and collapse.