Candy Cane Pavlova Food

PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 225 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 9-inch circle on the paper, then flip it over so the drawing is on the underside.
• For the meringue, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in the very clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until thick and opaque, about 1 minute more. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, and beat until stiff shiny peaks form, about 5 minutes more.
• Spread the meringue on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to stay within the drawn 9-inch circle. Create some shallow dips and swoops (this will hold the whipped cream and berries). Bake until the meringue is dry and crisp on the outside, about 2 hours. Turn off the heat and let the pavlova sit in the warm oven to dry out more, about 1 hour. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. (The meringue can be made up to several hours in advance.)
• Meanwhile, make the whipped cream by whisking together the heavy cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Toss the berries and raspberry jam in a medium bowl until evenly coated and glossy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour.
• To serve, dollop the whipped cream on top of the meringue and spread into an even layer. Pile the macerated berries on top (drizzle any berry juice on top as well). Slice into wedges and serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE-CANDY CANE MERINGUE WREATH

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 250°. Add cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup crushed candies., Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 1 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake 35-40 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., Line serving platter with a doily. In a microwave, melt shortening and remaining chocolate chips. Dip bottoms of cookies into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Stack cookies on prepared platter into a ring to form a wreath., Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over wreath; sprinkle with remaining candies. Let stand until set, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

POTATO CANDY

Steps:

• Mix together potatoes, butter or margarine, and milk. Add enough confectioners' sugar to make a stiff dough.
• Roll out on a flat surface sprinkled with powdered sugar. Spread on a layer of peanut butter and roll up. Chill and slice.