Desserts > Raspberry Pavlova

This is a really quick Raspberry Pavlova you can also eat throughout the winter…all you need is meringues, frozen local raspberries and a tub of double cream.

I like M&S meringues, they use free range egg whites and they are the best bought meringues I’ve tasted.

You can make this dessert in the summer with fresh summer soft fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries etc. But it’s winter now, and I don’t think buying imported strawberries etc. is worthwhile – especially when you’ve got a supply of frozen raspberries. I buy mine from the Strawberry Shop at the farmers market here in Edinburgh.

This pavlova is easy, it makes a great winter dessert as it’s rich and creamy and very reminiscent of summery days. (Of course it makes a nice summer dessert too…when the time comes…)

You will need

Double cream – roughly 1/4-1/3 pint per person

At least a dozen raspberries per person (fresh, frozen or a mixture of other fruits)

1 meringue nest per person

Icing sugar to sprinkle on top

Preparation

1. If you’re using frozen raspberries, remove the raspberries from the freezer to begin to thaw whilst you whip the cream. (They do not have to be totally thawed, if they’re still frozen this will cause some of the cream inside the pavlova to freeze – like instant ice cream.)
2. Pour the cream into a large bowl (see picture below).
3. Using a whisk (electric assistance is good for large quanities) carefully whip the cream until it holds a peak (see note below for tips).
4. Now you can build the pavlova. On each plate place a meringue, top with a spoon of cream, then top with half the raspberries. Continue to add a spoon of cream, then a few raspberries in layers until you run out. You can either go high, piling each layer on top of the last, or sprinkle more rasperries around the meringue. For extra indulgence you could make a sandwich with an extra meringe on top. Finish with a rasperry on top.
5. For an extra sweet, snowy finish, sieve half a teaspoon or so of icing sugar all over the top.
6. Serve immediately.

Notes:

Whipping Cream: This can be a little tricky until you get used to it, here are some tips…

preparation

 

• Use a large bowl, you can get a better whipping action and won’t splash as much.
• It will take a while before you start to notice the cream thickening, especially if whisking by hand, but it will happen – just persevere!
• When you notice the cream starting to thicken be careful not to overwhip – the best way to do this (especially when using electric whisks) is to stop now and then and try to form a peak with the cream.

beginning to form a soft peak

 

• Once you start to get some very soft peaks (they will fall back down quickly if soft), only whisk without electrical help. With a few extra turns of the whisk, you should notice the cream thickening quickly and you’ll soon get a soft yet thick cream.
• Once it holds a peak – stop whisking.

soft whipped cream

 

The finished Pavlova