Pavlova

Description
In 1935, the chef of the Hotel Esplanade in Perth, Western Australia, Herbert Sachse, created the pavlova to celebrate the visit of the great Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Whilst it has been suggested this dessert was created in New Zealand, it has become recognized as a popular Australian dish.

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. (Mixture will swell during cooking)

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.

castor sugar/superfine sugar cornflour/cornstarch