It is December!
And while almost everywhere in the world, it is getting colder by the minute and even snowing at some places, it is still warm here in Dubai. Yes Dubai is a warm place, but it feels warmer than usual at this time of year! Now, we would love a white Christmas over here too, however it is highly unlikely! But nothing can simulate an iceberg and the airy crispness of snow like a white Meringue with a serving of Vanilla ice cream together with the freshness of Berries! Yes, you guessed it: It is the best loved dessert with the grace of a Ballet dancer: The Pavlova.
Pavlova is a very famous desert and quite a retro one too. I like retro, but I also like to add my twist to things! I have gone for a soft Meringue in this recipe, one that has an ever so slight crunch on the outside and an almost marshmallowy texture on the inside. The Meringue alone has a pillow-like chew to it – kind of like the floating island feel, but with more density – one that will make you want to go on chewing for ever! With the melting of a creamy vanilla ice cream, and the tartness from the raspberry coulis and the berries, the experience is just Divine.
Meringue is one of my favourite desserts to use as an ingredient in the making of other desserts. I like to crumble it on top of fruit salads just before serving, also add it to dessert cups and puds, I find it to be very versatile and happen to love its texture. However if you want to know the real goodness of Meringue you have to try good quality ones rather than the store-bought stiff-as-a-rock variety that might break your teeth before you discover its flavour! I have extensively covered Meringue types and perfecting Meringue in a previous post (click here for the post) and I recommend that you read that post if you wish to perfect Meringue and Meringue desserts.
I have included for you a video of a fun chocolate Pavlova and lavender cream, thought it will be good for you to see one way of making a chocolate meringue.
Let’s get to it….