Pavlova With Peach Custard Food

THE BEST PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Draw a 9 inch circle on the parchment. An easy way to do this is to draw around the outside of a 9 inch pan with a pencil.
• In a large bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Add 3/4 cup of the sugar gradually, while continuing to whip. Make sure sugar is completely dissolved. Mix together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cornstarch; lightly fold into meringue with lemon juice.
• Spread a layer of meringue to fit circle on parchment, approximately 1/4 inch thick. With remainder of mixture, pipe or spoon swirls around the edges to form a shallow bowl shape.
• Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 1 hour. Turn off oven, but leave meringue in oven for an additional 30 minutes. When cool, the meringue should be hard on the outside, and slightly moist on the inside.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream and half a cup of confectioners sugar, and whip until thickened. Decorate with fruit of your choice; strawberries are excellent.

RASPBERRY PAVLOVA WITH PEACHES AND CREAM

Steps:

• Heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a circle with a 9-inch diameter, then flip paper upside-down. You'll still be able to see the outline.
• Using a blender or food processor, blend the raspberries until you get a fine powder speckled with seeds. (The seeds won't break down so don't even try.) You should have about 1/3 cup. Set aside.
• Using the bowl from an electric mixer, whisk together egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and salt. Fill a medium pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Set the mixing bowl with the egg white mixture into the pot, and whisk constantly by hand until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Remove bowl from heat, transfer bowl back to the mixer, and beat with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 to 8 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the raspberry powder until combined but still very streaky.
• Spoon mixture onto prepared parchment paper circle. Lightly drag a spatula along the outer edges of the mixture from bottom to top, to help build up the edges so there is a deep well in the center of the pavlova. Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until dry and firm to the touch. Transfer to a rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
• A half-hour before serving, prepare the topping: Stir together 1/2 cup water, sugar, vanilla bean and lemon zest in a small pot over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved and syrup is thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Put peaches in a bowl, stir in syrup and let cool.
• Whisk together cream, sour cream, confectioners' sugar and salt until firm peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Fill cooled pavlova with whipped cream; use a slotted spoon to top with peach mixture and raspberries, then drizzle with some of the syrup from bottom of the peach bowl. Serve at once.

GINGERED-PEACH PAVLOVAS

Steps:

• For meringues:
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 250°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and cornstarch in small bowl to blend; set aside.
• Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until soft peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in remaining 6 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Sift cornstarch mixture over meringue and gently fold in with rubber spatula just until incorporated.
• Spoon meringue onto prepared baking sheet in 6 mounds (about 1/4 cup each), spacing apart. Using back of spoon, make indentation in center of each mound, forming each meringue into 3-inch-diameter nest. Bake meringues until crisp and barely golden on outside but still soft on inside, about 55 minutes. Using metal spatula, transfer meringues to rack and cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in single layer in airtight container at room temperature.
• For peaches:
• Combine 2 cups water, 1 1/4 cups sugar, fresh lemon juice, and sliced ginger in large saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Add peeled peach halves to syrup in saucepan; remove from heat. Allow peaches to cool to room temperature in syrup, turning occasionally. Transfer peaches with syrup to medium bowl; cover and chill until cold. DO AHEAD: Peaches can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.
• Remove peaches from syrup and cut each half into 6 wedges; reserve syrup.
• For berries and topping:
• Place all berries in small bowl; add 4 tablespoons peach syrup and toss to coat.
• Using electric mixer, beat cream and 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl until soft peaks form.
• Place 1 meringue on each of 6 plates. Spoon whipped cream into center of each meringue, then top each with 6 peach wedges and berry mixture.

PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using an 8-inch bowl as a guide, trace the perimeter of the bowl onto a sheet of parchment paper. Transfer parchment paper, pencil side down, to a baking sheet. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and salt together until glossy peaks form. With mixer running, add sugar in three additions, beating until meringue is stiff and glossy. Sprinkle in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla; gently fold to combine.
• Mound the meringue in the center of the 8-inch circle. Using a spatula, evenly spread meringue out towards the edges. Transfer baking sheet to oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250 degrees. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Turn off oven and let meringue cool completely in oven. When meringue is cool and completely dry, top with whipped cream and desired fruits.

PAVLOVA WITH FRUIT CUSTARD FILLING

Steps:

• To make pavlova.
• Mix egg whites until stiff, then incorporate other pavlova ingredients and mix until thick and glossy.
• Mixture must stand in peaks.
• Pile mixture onto a buttered large plate,eg dinner plate size.
• On top of this mixture make a dip-- this is where the custard filling will go later.
• Put in preheated oven 150 C for 30minutes.
• Reduce heat to 110 C and bake for further 45minutes.
• After this time, turn off oven and let pavlova cool in oven.
• To make the custard filling: Put fruit salad into a small pan on the stove top.
• Bring to boil,add cornflour dissolved in water to thicken mix.
• Lastly add the beaten egg yolks and butter.
• Cook on medium heat for a few minutes till mixture is thick.
• Taste the custard, if you prefer a sweeter taste, add some sugar (optional) to sweeten, but bear in mind that the pavlova is sweet.
• When the custard is cold, place in the"dip" on top of the pavlova.
• Top with whipped cream.
• Add passionfruit (optional) to decorate if you like.

BROWN-SUGAR PEACH PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Pavlova: Preheat oven to 300°F with a rack in center. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Using an overturned bowl or cake pan as a guide, trace an 8-inch circle on parchment; turn parchment marked-side down.
• Place egg whites, brown sugar, and salt in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on low speed until well combined and no lumps of sugar remain. Increase speed to medium; beat until soft peaks form, about 9 minutes. With mixer running, gradually add granulated sugar. Continue beating until peaks are stiff and glossy, about 2 minutes more. Beat in vinegar and vanilla.
• Secure marked parchment to baking sheet with a small dollop of meringue under each corner. Using a rubber spatula, spread remaining meringue onto marked 8-inch circle; form peaks around edge and a well in center. Bake until meringue is crisp around edges and just set in center, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn off oven and let cool inside 2 hours. Transfer sheet to a wire rack; let stand until meringue is cool enough to handle. Carefully peel meringue off parchment and let cool completely on rack.
• Poached peaches: Meanwhile, prepare an ice-water bath. In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and 2 1/4 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Add peaches (cut-sides up) and cover with a parchment round to keep them submerged. Reduce heat to low and simmer until peaches are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Transfer peaches to a plate with a slotted spoon. When cool enough to handle, peel, discarding skins. Bring poaching liquid to a boil; cook until thickened and reduced by half (you should have 1 cup), about 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and chill in ice bath until cold.
• Topping: In a bowl, beat heavy cream with granulated sugar on medium speed until stiff peaks form. To assemble, carefully place meringue on a serving platter. Spoon whipped cream on top, spreading to edges; then add peaches, cut-sides down. Drizzle with syrup, slice into wedges, and serve immediately.

PEACH MELBA PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 120C/100C fan/gas ½. Line a large, flat baking sheet with baking parchment. Tip egg whites into a large bowl. Sift together the sugars. Blend the cornflour, vanilla and vinegar to a paste.
• Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then whisk in the sugars, 2-3 tbsp at a time, alternating with the paste. Continue whisking until the meringue is thick and marshmallow-like.
• Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet and spread to a 22cm round. Use the back of a metal spoon to make a shallow dip in the centre for the filling. Bake the meringue for 1½ hrs, then turn off the heat and leave it in the oven to cool. Transfer to a flat serving plate.
• Put half the raspberries in a pan with the sugar and 2 tbsp water. Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then cook for a few mins until the raspberries are soft and pulpy. Tip into a food processor with the remaining raspberries and whizz to a purée. Press through a sieve into a bowl to remove the pips. Cool.
• Halve and stone the peaches, then cut each half into 4-5 slices. Whip the cream until stiff. Drizzle over half the raspberry sauce and fold in gently with a large metal spoon to make a ripple effect. Carefully spoon the cream into the centre of the meringue. Pile the peaches on top and scatter with the remaining raspberries. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and dust lightly with icing sugar. Serve without delay.

HONEYED PEACH & PISTACHIO PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Using a 20cm plate or cake tin as a template, draw a circle on a large sheet of baking parchment, flip it over and place on a large baking tray. When ready, dot a blob of raw meringue onto each corner of the baking tray and put the baking parchment on top - this way it won't slip.
• In a well-cleaned, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites with an electric hand whisk until they form stiff peaks. Add the caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, continuing to whisk as you go. The meringue will start to get thick and glossy. Add the brown sugar in the same way, continue whisking for another 1-2 mins until really thick and holding stiff, shiny peaks on the end of your whisk. Now add the cornflour and vinegar, and give a final whisk until smooth.
• Using a large metal spoon, pile the meringue onto the parchment-lined tray, using the circle template as a guide to create a symmetrical circle. Use the spoon to make a dip in the middle (this will hold your cream and fruit later) and a few spikes of meringue around the edges. Place in the centre of the oven, shut the door and immediately turn the temperature down to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Cook the meringue for 1 hr 10 mins, then turn the oven off and leave until completely cold (best done overnight).
• For the topping, put the 100ml honey in a wide frying pan and heat until saucy. Add the peach slices and cook for 1-2 mins on each side, over quite a high heat, until the peaches are sticky but still holding their shape. Cool completely.
• Just before you are ready to serve, assemble the pavlova. Tip the cream, vanilla and remaining honey into a bowl. Whisk until it just holds soft peaks, then add the yogurt and, using a spatula, fold together until combined. Spoon the cream into the centre of the meringue and swirl it out towards the edges. Top with the sticky peaches and any saucy bits from the pan, and sprinkle over the pistachios.

GRANDMA PERRITT'S PAVLOVA WITH CUSTARD CREAM

Steps:

• Heat your oven - as hot as it will go while you prepare the pav mix.
• Place baking paper on a pizza tray and set aside.
• In a large clean bowl (metal or glass) beat the egg whites on high until thick and "soft peak stage" (when you lift the beaters up, the egg whites resemble whipped cream).
• Turn the beaters down to low, add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Once all in, return to high and beat for 7-10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved (check by rubbing a small amount of mix inbetween your thumb and finger - there should be no grit).
• Turn the beaters to low and add the flour and vinegar, mix well.
• Use a metal spoon to scrape out the mix onto the lined tray.
• I aim for a 10 inch circle, it will be a mound.
• Place in a hot oven and turn down to 130oC straight away. Bake for 1 hour. Turn the oven off and leave for another hour. Open the door and leave for another hour. The pav needs to be cold when it leaves the oven (this makes the outside crunchy and the inside soft marshmellowy).
• Dress just before serving.
• Custard cream:.
• In a bowl (medium) beat the egg yolks, flour, sugar and vanilla.
• In a saucepan gently heat the cream and milk over a low heat.
• Pour the yolk mix in and whisk constantly until thick and almost to boiling point.
• Set aside and cool for 5 mintues, then pour into a clean bowl.
• Place cling wrap over the top (to catch the skin so you can discard it).
• Serve on the side (cold) to a dressed pavlova.

PAVLOVA WITH A PASSIONFRUIT CURD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Oil a large piece of baking parchment on a baking sheet. Put the egg whites, sugar, vinegar, and hot water into the bowl of a food mixer and whisk at the highest speed for 5 minutes until soft, white peaks form. Spoon the mixture into an 8 inch round on the oiled paper -- or spoon 4 high rounds on the paper to make the individual pavlovas. Cook in the center of the oven for about one hour and ten minutes, until crisp. (The individual pavlovas will take less time, about 1 hour) Allow to cool on wire rack.
• To make the passionfruit curd, put all the ingredients into a bowl set over a pan of simmering water and stir constantly until the mixture starts to thicken and take on the appearance of a thin custard. Continue to cook, still stirring, until it thickens further, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat immediately so as not to overcook. Ladle the curd into a clean jar or container, and leave to cool before covering and refrigerating.
• To serve, whip the cream into soft peaks and place onto the pavlova base spreading out to the edges with a palette knife. For the individual pavlovas, place a spoonful of cream on top of each pavlova. Pour the passionfruit curd over the top.