Pavlova

Pavlova Recipe with Cherries and Strawberries: An Airy Delight for Special Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-65 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Introduction
Pavlova is an iconic dessert, renowned for its light and airy texture, perfectly combining crispy meringue with a rich filling of whipped cream and fresh fruits. Inspired by a love for delicate sweets, this recipe will transform any meal into a celebration. The origins of the recipe are often debated, but what matters is that it is adored by everyone who tastes it. So, let's venture into making this delicacy!

Ingredients
*For meringue layers:*
- 6 egg whites
- 360 g powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons vinegar
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt

*For filling and decoration:*
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons mint syrup (optional)
- Fresh cherries and strawberries (enough for decoration and filling)

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature to achieve a more airy meringue. This will allow the egg whites to whip better, resulting in a more stable foam. Also, use a clean bowl free of grease to beat the egg whites.

2. Beating the egg whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer and start at low speed for 1 minute to avoid splattering. Gradually increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the egg whites form a foam.

3. Adding the sugar
Start adding the powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is essential to wait for the sugar to dissolve completely before adding more. This process can take between 20 and 30 minutes, but it is crucial for achieving a glossy and stable meringue.

4. Final ingredients
When the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks, add the vinegar and cornstarch. Mix for another minute to incorporate them.

5. Preparing the trays
Preheat the oven to 100°C. On two large trays, place parchment paper and draw circles with a diameter of 22 cm. Grease the paper with butter to prevent the meringue from sticking.

6. Forming the meringue layers
Divide the mixture into two equal parts. Use a spatula or piping bag to form circles on the paper, making sure to leave the center slightly lower than the edges. This will allow the filling to sit perfectly in the center of the layer.

7. Baking
Place the trays in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 minutes, then gently open the oven and let it bake for another 15 minutes to achieve a slightly golden color, but the layers can remain white if you prefer. It is important not to open the oven in the first 50 minutes to avoid collapsing the meringue.

8. Cooling
Once baked, let the meringue layers cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to avoid moisture that could make them soggy. Ideally, leave them to cool overnight.

9. Preparing the filling
Whip the heavy cream together with the powdered sugar and mint syrup until it reaches a firm consistency. Be careful not to overmix, or it will turn into butter!

10. Assembling the Pavlova
On a serving platter, place the first meringue layer, add ½ of the whipped cream, followed by the second layer. Top with the remaining whipped cream and decorate with fresh, cut, and well-washed cherries and strawberries.

11. Serving
This Pavlova is a perfect dessert for summer evenings or special occasions. You can serve it immediately or leave it in the fridge for a few hours to firm up the filling. It pairs wonderfully with fresh lemonade or a sweet white wine.

Useful tips
- Use seasonal fruits for maximum flavor. Strawberries and cherries are a classic choice, but you can experiment with peaches, mangoes, or berries.
- If you want a touch of originality, you can add some fresh mint leaves on top or a white chocolate sauce.
- The meringue can be stored properly for a few days, but the filling is best added just before serving.

Nutritional information
A serving of Pavlova (approximately 1/10 of the dessert) contains about 220 calories, 5 g of fat, 39 g of carbohydrates, and 2 g of protein. It is a relatively light dessert that can be a healthier choice compared to other calorie-rich cakes.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of sugar?
Powdered sugar is ideal for meringue because it dissolves more easily, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor.

- What should I do if the meringue cracks?
The meringue can crack for various reasons, including baking too quickly or opening the oven door. Make sure to follow the mentioned time and temperature.

- Is it possible to make Pavlova a day in advance?
Yes, the meringue layers can be made a day in advance. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.

I invite you to try this delicious Pavlova recipe with cherries and strawberries and delight your family and friends with a dessert that will surely leave an unforgettable impression. Happy birthday, Dya! May every slice be filled with happiness, health, and sweetness!