Easy Pavlova

This recipe comes from allrecipies.com and is a definite keeper. So yummy! It's crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. You can put any kind of fruit that you would like on it. I prefer kiwi, strawberries and blueberries. It is gluten free too so yay!

It does take time to complete with 1 hour in the oven and 1 to 1.5 hours cooling time in the oven (yes that's in the oven) but it's not one that you want to rush. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family did. 

Ingredients

5 egg whites

1 1/4 cup white sugar 

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tsp cornstarch

1 pint heavy cream

Kiwi, peeled and sliced

Strawberries, sliced

and blueberries (or whatever fruit you would like)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Sprinkle a bit of corn starch in the centre of the parchment to help the pavlova to not stick. 

2. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until about the stringy stage, not too stiff. Gradually add in the sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, should be glossy and smooth looking. After all the sugar is in, beat until thick and glossy. Mix extract, lemon juice and cream of tartar together in a small bowl and then gently fold it into the egg whites. 

3. Spoon mixture making a circle on the parchment paper.Working from the center spread mixture out a bit building edge slightly.  You'll want a slight depression in the centre. 

4. Bake for 1 hour. When oven timer is done shut off the oven open the door a crack and let the pavola sit in the oven until totally cool. This will take about 1 to 1-1/2 hours but be patient because this will help prevent it from cracking too much as it cools. 

5. In a small bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form; you can add a bit of powdered sugar here if you want but the pavlova is pretty sweet already so I wouldn't put in too much. Remove the meringue onto a serving plate. Fill the centre of the meringue with whipped cream and top with fruit. 

Enjoy!