Pavlova with strawberries

Strawberry Pavlova – an elegant, light, and refreshing dessert, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in personal pampering moments. This pavlova recipe is a wonderful combination of a crispy and light meringue on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior, topped with delicious whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Let's embark on a journey together to prepare this delightful dessert!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 6 egg whites (approximately 180 g)
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 1 pinch of cornstarch (approximately 10 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 250-300 g fresh strawberries

A brief history of pavlova:
Pavlova was created in honor of a famous ballerina, and this sweet dessert quickly spread around the world, becoming a favorite in many cultures. It is a symbol of elegance and refinement, perfect for special occasions or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones.

Step by step for a perfect pavlova:

Step 1: Preparing the meringue
1. Separate the egg whites: Ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the whites, as fat will prevent you from achieving a quality meringue. Use fresh eggs for the best results.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and start beating them on low speed, gradually increasing to medium. When the egg whites start to become frothy, it’s time to gradually add the sugar.

3. Sugar test: Continue to whip until the sugar is completely dissolved. An effective way to check this is to take a small amount of foam between your fingers; if you don’t feel any granules, you’re ready to move on to the next step. This stage can take about 30 minutes, but patience is key!

4. Adding additional ingredients: Once the sugar is completely melted, add the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes firm and glossy.

Step 2: Baking the meringue
1. Shaping the meringue: On a baking tray, place a sheet of parchment paper and pour the meringue mixture into a circular shape (approximately 22 cm in diameter). Use a spatula to smooth the surface and create a small indentation in the center, which will hold the cream and strawberries later.

2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 100°C. Bake the pavlova for 30 minutes, then increase the temperature to 120°C and continue baking for 45 minutes. The meringue is ready when the outside is firm to the touch.

3. Cooling: Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 4-5 hours or, ideally, overnight. If you’re in a hurry, let the meringue cool for at least 90 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the topping
1. Whipping the cream: Use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. It’s important not to over-whip it, or it will turn into butter.

2. Preparing the strawberries: Wash the strawberries and cut them in halves or slices, depending on your preference. You can add a little sugar if you want to sweeten them even more.

Step 4: Assembling the pavlova
1. Assembling the dessert: Place the cooled pavlova on a serving platter. Fill the indentation in the center with whipped cream, then arrange the strawberries on top.

2. Serving: This dessert is wonderful served immediately, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, it’s good to know that the meringue will lose its crispiness.

Useful tips and tricks:
- Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar, as it will dissolve more quickly in the egg whites.
- Vinegar: This helps stabilize the meringue, giving it a better texture.
- Experiment: You can add other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a personalized version of pavlova.
- Drinks: Pavlova pairs perfectly with a glass of prosecco or a fruit tea.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought eggs?: It is recommended to use fresh eggs for the best results.
- Why did my pavlova crack?: Cracking can be a sign that the meringue was cooked too quickly at too high a temperature. Make sure to respect the temperature and baking times.

Nutritional benefits:
- Strawberries: These fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, having a positive impact on cardiovascular health and the immune system.
- Cream: Although rich in fats, cream adds a creamy and delicious taste to the dessert, bringing a perfect balance.

Strawberry Pavlova is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings together textures and flavors, making each slice a true delight. Enjoy every moment and let yourself be inspired by this classic recipe!