Pavlova

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• pinch of salt
• 8 oz baking sugar (super fine, but not powdered)
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence, divided
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp baking sugar
• 1 lb strawberries, quartered (or use whatever fruit is in season)

Directions:

2. Beat the egg whites with the salt until they form stiff peaks. Then gradually add the sugar, vinegar and half a teaspoon of the vanilla.
3. Spread the mixture into a lightly-greased pie plate, leaving an indentation in the center for the filling (which you will add after baking).
4. If your stove is electric, preheat to 400, put the meringue in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250 degrees. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, making sure not to disturb the pan. If your stove is gas, put the meringue in and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 250 and bake for another hour.
5. Turn the oven off, but don't take the meringue out until it is cool.
6. Just before you are ready to serve, whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then add the sugar and vanilla extract. Spread the whipped cream into the hollow at the center of the meringue, then top with the fruit.