Pavlova

What could be better than crisp and chewy meringue, fresh whipped cream, and ripe berries? Not a whole lot! It's so easy to make and oh so delicious!

Pavlova

(alatered from this recipe from allrecipes.com)

3 egg whites, room temp

3/4 c. sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

1 tsp cornstarch

fresh, sweetened whipped cream

sliced strawberries, kiwis, etc.

Beat egg whites until they start to form soft peaks and then slowly incorporate the sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form and the egg turns glossy. Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites! When egg is glossy fold (or if I'm impatient I wisk) in vanilla, then lemon (if adding lemon), then cornstarch. Spread or pipe onto a silpat lined baking sheet. If you use silpat it definitely will not stick! Bake at 300' for approximately 1 hour or until lightly crisp and browned on the outside ---- to be festive I used a pastry bag and piped it into hearts and it only took about 40 minutes to bake. After the meringue is cooled top with sweetened whip cream and fruit. I've been told that traditional pavlova is topped with kiwi and strawberry but I always stick with strawberries...I think that maybe fresh blueberries, rasberries, and blackberries might be good too:)

This just happens to be one of Cory's favorite desserts, so I decided that we would have pavlova for our Valentine's Day treat. Happy Valentine's Day!