Pages

HomeAboutContact

18.10.12

Perfect Pavlova

My close friends and family will tell you I'm not a great cook!!  I once burnt a pizza so bad when I took it out of the oven it resembled some kind of African bowl.  I even managed to set a caravan kitchen on fire whilst cooking bacon.  It's safe to say the kitchen is not my domain!   Ok I know the basics that have got me through life.  I know how to throw a few meals together but although I love to eat, I dont love to cook!!
Or so I thought............
I don't know if the abundence of cookery programmes on T.V have had some kind of subliminal effect on me or if this is all part and parcel of becoming a 'grown up' but just lately I seem to be rather keen on baking!

Recently I was given a Lamona recipe book and decided to try out the Pavlova.  I'll be honest, the main reason I chose this recipe was because I already had most of the ingredients and there was only 20 minutes preparation time.  Yes, I am a lazy cook and most probably the reason for many chargrilled meals of the past! Anyway I followed the recipe and didn't allow myself any distractions, which basically meant I turned my phone off. And you know what?  It turned out bloody lovely!  In fact I've made it quite a few times now and even get asked to make one for family get togethers!! 
So I thought I'd share this recipe with you, because if I can make Pavlova then anyone can!! Yeah it's not a fancy Nigella recipe or anything but we're taking baby steps here.  Hope you enjoy.
 
Method

  • Pre-heat the oven to 150°C/gas mark 2.
  • Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking parchment (This apparently works better than greaseproof paper although I haven't got a clue what the difference is).
  • Place the egg whites in a large clean bowl, then whisk them with an electric whisk until they form stiff peaks - you should be able to turn the bowl upside down without them moving. (Note - Do not ever taste the egg whites, vile is not the word!!).
  •   
  •  Add the cornflour to the sugar, then add this to the egg whites - a teaspoon at a time, whisking after each addition - until it's all mixed in.
  • Add the vinegar and vanilla essence to the mixture, and fold in lightly with a tablespoon.
  • Spoon just over half of the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet, and spread it into a circle, about 18cm in diameter, to make the base.
  • To form the sides of the pavlova, add the remaining mixture, a tablespoon at a time, around the edge of the circle. Use a fork to shape the sides, so it resembles a nest.
 
  • Bake the pavlova for 1 hour. Remove it from the oven when it looks set, then leave it to cool completely.
  • When it's cold, lift it carefully from the baking sheet. Peel off the baking parchment and place the pavlova on a serving plate.
  • When you're ready to serve, whip the cream and spread it in the centre of the pavlova, arranging the fruit on top.
 Ta Daaaa.  We have Pavlova!!


Enjoy!

19 comments:

  1. This looks delicious! Well done you :)I love making pavlova, its quite good fun. Oh goodness that's hilarious you setting a caravan on fire, my dad did a similar thing with toast when we were staying in a log cabin, all the fire alarms were going off, very embarrassing!
    You've also gained yourself a new follower :) I thoroughly look forward to reading your blog posts.

    Love Becky xx
    http://bjt92.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Becky. Ha that's funny about your dad! Thanks for following. Always nice to speak to someone new :) xx

      Delete
  2. For someone who says they're not a great cook that looks amazing! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhh thanks, I think it might just be a really simple recipe but I guess I should take some credit lol. xx

      Delete
  3. I love pavlova, but my fiance doesn't so I rarely make it anymore. This looks delicious! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh surely that just means more for you!! x

      Delete
  4. this looks amazzzzing! i'm definitely going to make it. thanks for sharing the recipe xxx

    http://ileftmyheartinmiami.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think,you're a good cook! it looks yummy!

    Babi
    www.whenbabispeaks.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhhh bless ya. Think I'm finally getting there lol. x

      Delete
  6. Love your Blog :)
    Follow you now <3

    If you want have a look at my blog.

    Greetings from Germany,

    Emma Wunderbar <3

    http://emmawunderbar.blogspot.de/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Emma thanks you write a good blog too. x

      Delete
  7. I love pavlova my favourite dessert x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny but I've never really been a fan of Pavlova until recently. x

      Delete
  8. You're an artist! I can't believe you made that. Now following!

    Kaeli
    The Broadcloth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks hun. Maybe some kind of abstract artist?? Thanks for the follow :) x

      Delete
  9. oh my goodness that looks amazing! i wish i was that talented...send a slice my way? :)

    xo,
    kristyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would send you a slice but unfortunately I had to eat it. All of it. lol. xx

      Delete
  10. Ooh my goodness, this looks like heaven! Saving this to my recipes folder, thank you!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your lovely comments. Don't forget to follow me via twitter for blog updates or to ask me a specific question @agirliknow_

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...