Tallulahs Kitchen… Mini Raspberry Pavlova
Hello and Welcome to February’s edition of The Listing. This month I would like to share with you a recipe for Mini Raspberry pavlovas, these are ideal to release your creative side and impress your Valentine with a sweet treat to finish that cosy home cooked meal. The nests can be made in advance and the dessert takes minutes to assemble, leaving you free to arrange all those red roses and cards you will receive…well, a girl can dream?
Mini Raspberry Pavlova
Enough for 8 individual nests
3 large egg whites from happy, free running hens
150g caster sugar
1 tsp cornflour
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp white vinegar
Red or pink food colouring
To fill:
Whipped cream
Fresh raspberries
Extra sugar to serve
Optional Extra -a Goodly “splosh” of your favourite liquor
- Let’s begin by making the meringue. Take great care when separating the eggs and be extra vigilant that the mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease free as even the slightest hint of yolk or the tiniest smear of grease will prevent the white from whipping up into billowing clouds.
- So, pop the egg whites into the bowl and whisk vigorously until it peaks as you lift the whisk. Now, gradually add the sugar a little at a time until the meringue takes on a stiff, smooth and glossy shine and the grains of sugar are all dissolved. Now add the vinegar, vanilla and cornflour mix just enough to combine.
- Next, take your piping bag and turn it almost completely inside out (with only the nozzle still in the bag) now paint stripes of food colouring running from the nozzle to the open end of the bag- you don’t have to be too precise.
- Fill the bag with meringue and pipe 8 nests on to grease proof paper, if you are doing these as a dessert for your “beloved” on Valentine’s Day, then why not have a go at piping them in the shape of hearts?
- Place in the preheated oven 140°C for approximately an hour (you are looking to dry them out but not to colour them) then switch off the oven but leave the nests in for a further 30 mins to completely finish drying them out.
- Then all you have to do is whip up the cream, perhaps flavour this with a little dash of liquor, or fruit juice ?
- Then pile the nest high with whipped cream, and the raspberries. Sprinkle with a light dusting of sugar or a dash of liquor just before serving!
These are best served straight away once assembled, but the nests are good for 3-4 days if kept in a airtight container, making them ideal to be prepared the day before so you can give your Valentine your undivided attention on the big day!
