Pavlova

Ingredients

 * 4-6 egg whites
 * pinch salt
 * 8oz castor sugar/sugar (equal parts)
 * 1 teaspoon white vinegar
 * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
 * 2 level teaspoons cornflour

Directions

 * Preheat oven to 400F(200C).
 * Lightly grease oven tray, line with baking paper or use non-stick cooking spray.
 * Beat the whites of eggs with a pinch of salt until stiff (until peaks form).
 * Continue beating, gradually adding sugar, vinegar and vanilla, until of thick consistency.
 * Lightly fold in cornflour.


 * Pile mixture into circular shape, making hollow in centre for filling.


 * Electric oven: turn oven to 250F (130C) and bake undisturbed for 1 1/2 hours.
 * Gas oven: bake at 400F (200C) for ten minutes, then turn oven to 250F (130C) and bake a further hour.
 * Turn oven off, leave pavlova in oven until cool.


 * Top with whipped cream and decorate with fruit as desired.