Perfect Pavlova.....

This was our delicious dessert today....made with J and G in mind, a perfect round up to our mexicana meal and the perfect antidote to England's dismal first World Cup game. 1-1 in case you're even slightly interested(!)

INGREDIENTS:

4 egg whites

225g golden caster sugar

1 tsp cornflour

1 tsp white wine vinegar

METHOD:

1.Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

2.Cover a baking sheet with baking parchment.

3.Whisk the egg whites with electric beaters until they just form stiff and shiny peaks.

4.Gradually add the sugar a couple of tablespoons at a time and whisk really well between each addition.

5.When all of the sugar is used up continue whisking for 3-4 minutes or until the meringue is stiff and glossy and stands up in peaks, then whisk in the cornflour and vinegar.

6.Spoon the mixture onto the baking parchment and use a palette knife to make a bowl shape

7.Put in the oven, turn the temperature down to 120C/fan 100C/gas 1/2 and cook for one and a half hours.

8.Turn the oven off and leave the meringue inside until completely cold (you can make this the day before and leave to cool overnight).

9.Carefully peel off the baking parchment and put the pavlova on a serving dish. Don't worry if it cracks.

10.Fill with fruit and whipped cream - voila! (I used british strawberries.........Mmmmmm!)

~so incredibly simple and yet so damned tasty....it made me wonder why I don't make meringue more often!~