EPISODE 9

Pavlova was named after the Russian dancer, Anna Pavlova. It was intended to be light and fluffy to mimic the dancer’s tutu. The vinegar is a necessary ingredient as it keeps the dessert from being simply a meringue by keeping the inside soft and gooey and the outside crispy. This is also delectable when topped with other fruits.

Ingredients – Meringue Base

• 6 egg whites
• 1½ cups superfine sugar (or regular sugar, woojed in the food processor)
• 3 tbsp sifted cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 oz chopped semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions – Meringue Base

Preheat oven to 350F.

Place your egg whites in a large bowl. Ensure there is no fat or yolk in the bowl as this would prevent your whites from whipping properly. Whip for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Slowly add your sugar one spoonful at a time until stiff peaks form. This will take around 5 minutes. When done, the whites will be glossy and smooth.

Whip in the cocoa and salt, then switch to a spatula and fold in the chocolate chips and vinegar.

Place the pavlova onto a baking sheet (or pizza sheet) lined with parchment paper and use your spatula to shape into a circle, around 10 inches in diameter.

Put into your oven and immediately lower the temperature to 300. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until the outside is crisp and the inside is still slightly gooey.

When the meringue is cooked, turn off the oven. Prop the door open a smidge (with a wooden spoon if necessary) to allow the meringue to cool slowly.

Ingredients – Raspberry Cream

• 3 cups frozen raspberries
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 cups 35% cream

Instructions – Raspberry Cream

Place frozen raspberries in a small saucepan with the sugar, and heat until the mixture comes to a low simmer. Remove from heat and let cool completely before very gently folding 3/4 of the mix into the whipped 35% cream.

When the meringue base is cooled, transfer it to a plate and top with the swirled raspberry cream. Add the remaining raspberries, and using a pallet knife, make little squiggles to create a beautiful swirl.

If desired, top with chocolate shaving. To make chocolate shaving, take a bar of chocolate, place it on a dish towel, and press it up against yourself. Then take your knife and place it at the end of the chocolate (away from you). Gently pull towards yourself. Try not to eat all the chocolate you’re shaving.

Enjoy!