Summer Pavlova

Step 1
Preheat oven to 150°C.

Step 2
Very carefully seperate the egg whites from the yolks. It’s a good idea to do this one at a time in a small bowl to ensure no yolk gets into the whites. Even a tiny drop of yolk will stop the whites forming soft peaks when whipped.

Step 3
In a stand mixer on high or with hand held beaters, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. You should be able to lift the beaters and the egg foam will come to a point.

Step 4
With the beater still on high, slowly add the sugar, 1/4 of cup at a time. Beat until stiff and shiny, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 5
Add white vinegar and vanilla extract and beat again for a minute or so until the egg whites are glossy, stiff and have a satiny sheen.

Step 6
Line a large flat tray with baking paper. Tip the meringue in a pile in the middle of the baking tray. Using a spatula, spread the mix to a 20cm diameter. It’s best to form higher thicker edges and have a slight dip in the middle.

Step 7
Place in oven, and reduce the heat to 120°C

Step 8
Cook for one hour, then check the progress by tapping on the edge of the pavlova to see if shell is crisp. Cook for a little longer if needed, or until you can tap the pavlova and hear a sound. If you prefer it chewy in the middle, go for less time, and for a firm pavlova, go for longer.

Step 9
Then turn off the oven, leaving the pavlova inside. Open the oven door, just a crack and allow to cool for at least one hour.

Step 10
Remove from the oven, and transfer to a serving platter. You can store the cooled meringue base in an airtight container overnight and dress it with cream and fruit the next day. If you don’t have an airtight container, leave it in the oven overnight to keep it crisp and dry.

For The Cream
Step 11
Using a stand mixer or hand help beaters, whip the cream. Pour the cream into the bowl, add the icing sugar and vanilla essence and beat until thickened.

For The Fruit
Step 12
Peel and cut the mangoes into pretty slices by first removing the cheeks then cutting slices through to the skin. Use a glass and scoop out your slices. Cut the peaches into wedges, the cherries in halves and remove the seeds. Scoop the passionfruit pulp into a small bowl.

To Assemble
Step 13
Generously dollop the cream into the dip of the pavlova. Decorate with fruit and serve!