Marys Christmas Pavlova Food

CHRISTMAS PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°. Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Draw a 9-in. circle on parchment paper. Invert paper and place on a baking sheet; set aside., Add cornstarch, vinegar, vanilla and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons sprinkles., Mound egg whites within circle marked on parchment, forming a shallow well in the center. With a wide spatula or large spoon, swipe up from the bottom around the outside to create smooth sides. Sprinkle outside with remaining 2 tablespoons sprinkles. Bake until set and dry, 45-50 minutes. Turn off oven (do not open oven door); leave meringue in oven 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine cranberries, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, orange liqueur, orange juice and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until berries pop and mixture thickens slightly, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add remaining 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold half the whipped cream into cranberry mixture. , Place pavlova on a serving plate. If center has not already collapsed, gently press center with a large spoon to open cavity inside. Gently add cranberry mixture, spreading into corners. Spoon remaining whipped cream on top of cranberry mixture; top with remaining 1 tablespoon sprinkles. Refrigerate leftovers.

MARY BERRY'S CHRISTMAS PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/315°F/Gas 3. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and draw a 30cm circle on the paper. Draw a 15cm circle in the centre of the 30cm circle.
• Put six egg whites into a mixing bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until they look like clouds. Gradually add the sugar a little at a time, whisking on maximum speed until they are stiff and glossy. Mix the vinegar and cornflour in a cup until smooth, then stir into the bowl.
• Spoon the meringue between the 2 circles on the baking parchment, to make a wreath shape. Using a large spoon, make a trench in the meringue for the cream and fruit to sit in. Slide into the oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 140°C/120°C fan/275°F/Gas 1 and bake for 1 hour-1 hour 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the pavlova inside for an hour or overnight to dry.
• To assemble, whip the cream, vanilla and icing sugar until just stiff. Spoon the cream into the trench in the meringue. Arrange the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and pomegranate on top and decorate with a few mint leaves, if using. To serve, dust with icing sugar and cut in wedges.The pavlova can be made up to 1 month ahead and stored: wrap it in clingfilm and then foil and keep in a cool place.