Pavlova!!

1. 1

   Separate the whites and yolks while eggs are cold. Measure 150 ml/5oz egg whites (just shy of 2/3 cup, 140 - 160ml is ok).

2. 2

   Set whites aside to come to room temperature.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 170°C/340°F (180°C fan-forced).

4. 4

   Place whites in a bowl. Use a stand mixer (I use speed 7) or handheld beater (high) and beat until soft peaks form (Note 2)

5. 5

   Add sugar 1 tbsp at a time, beating as you go. (Note 3)

6. 6

   After adding the sugar, beat for a further 3 minutes or until thick and glossy. Rub a little of the fluff between your fingers, there should be no sugar grit - that means it is ready.

7. 7

   Add cornflour and vinegar, beat on low for 5 - 7 seconds (or fold through with spatula) until just mixed through.

Making the Pav (Note 4)

1. 8

   Get the base of a springform cake pan (24cm/9.5" or larger) and turn it upside down. Dab meringue on the edge and place a piece of baking paper (parchment paper) on top.

2. 9

   Gently place half the fluff onto the paper. Use the cake pan as a guide to make it round and coax it into a circle shape around 20cm / 8" in diameter (Note 5).

3. 10

   Carefully scoop out the remaining fluff. Now coax it into a dome shape (not a cake with straight smooth sides) with edges sloping in slightly. Flatten top. Make it 4-5cm / 2 " high - not much higher. (Note 5). See video / photos in post. It will rise/expand.

4. 11

   Transfer to baking tray. CAREFULLY place in the oven, GENTLY close the door and turn oven DOWN to 115°C/240°F (100°C fan).

5. 12

   Bake for 1 1/2 hours - no peeking, no thundering through kitchen! (Note 6)

   120 min
6. 13

   Turn oven off, leave the door closed and leave Pav in the oven overnight to cool (I've done 18 hours).

7. 14

   Transfer Pav to serving platter then slide cake pan out from underneath. Use butter knife if required to loosen edges from paper, then slide paper out from underneath.

8. 15

   Just before serving, top with cream and fruit of choice.

9. 16

   Serve and be a rock star!

Topping

1. 17

   Place cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl. Beat cream until it is thickened and just holds its shape - don't overbeat, it should be silky smooth, not speckled with bubbles and stiff.