Adventure Cooking with Sarah Glover: Ecology Center Part 2 - Pavlova

Adventure Cooking with Sarah Glover. This series follows Sarah as she travels around the world visiting unique locations, engaging with local communities and hosting workshops and events.

Wood Fired Pavlova with Macerated Strawberries

Contrary to what you'd think, this recipe is anything but intimidating. Trust me, once you get started - it’s pretty easy to master and will quickly become a family favourite. Use whatever fruit is in season, this one suggests strawberries, but all fruits work and those in season will always taste the best!

INGREDIENTS

For the pavlova:
6 egg whites
1½ cups (330g) fine white sugar
2 cups whipping cream and/or if you can find it Goat Milk cream - out of this world amazing on pav.

Optional pavlova fruit topping (outrageously delicious macerated strawberries):
2 cups of strawberries hulled and cut into quarters
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon pomegranate or balsamic vinegar

METHOD
1. Preheat the wood fire oven for an hour or preheat a standard oven to 120°C (250°F).
2. Use an electric mixer to whisk the egg whites on high speed until a stiff peak forms. Then, gradually add the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, allowing 30 secs between each spoon. Once all sugar is added, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and whisk for a further six minutes, or until mixture is stiff and glossy in texture.
3. Add vinegar and whisk for another four minutes until combined.
4. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper and layer spoonfuls of meringue, using a spatula to shape it into a round shape.
5. Bake for an hour and 30 mins or until dry and crisp to the touch.
6. Once crisp, turn off the oven and allow the pavlova to cool completely before removing it from the oven.
7. While cooling, place the cream in a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form.
8. Place the pavlova on a cake stand or plate, and top with cream and desired fruit (such as the outrageously delicious macerated strawberries).
9. For the optional addition of the strawberries, simply stir strawberries, sugar and vinegar in a medium bowl, let the mixture stand at room temperature until the juices are released (approx. 30+ mins), then top pavlova.

EQUIPMENT:
Oven
Electric mixer