Steed's World Famous Pavlova

Since Australia Day is just around the corner (January 26), I thought I would share a little piece of Australia with you. Pavlova is considered the national dessert of Australia, however, New Zealand also claims it. I am not quite sure who was the first to claim it... I guess it's one of those "did the chicken or the egg come first" questions. Anyway, while we were in Australia, we became friends with a wonderful family. The mother makes the BEST pavlova, so my husband and I call this recipe

"Steed's World Famous Pavlova"

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1/2 hours
Preparation time before serving: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 dessertspoon* cornflour

Half pint heavy whipping cream
Toppings (Fruit, chocolate, etc...)

*Did you know Australian cutlery includes a dessertspoon? It's specifically used to eat their dessert. If you do not own a dessertspoon, use 2 teaspoons per 1 dessertspoon.

Instructions:

Beat egg whites with electric beater, gradually adding sugar until stiff.

 So stiff it didn't move when I tilted the bowl

Fold in vanilla and vinegar and cornflour.

Preheat oven to 390*F (200*C).

Pour pavlova onto a baking sheet in the shape you want.

Put Pavlova in oven and turn it down to 250*F (120*C). Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Turn off oven, and open the door to let it cool off.

It's not perfect, but it will work

When completely cool, decorate with whipped cream and any topping you like. Usually they put passion fruit, or any other kind of fruit on it.

I used banana's and chocolate for the topping and it tasted great!

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!