what is pavlova

Pavlova is a dessert that originated in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century and is named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova). It is a meringue-based dessert that takes the form of a cake-like circular block of baked meringue with a crisp crust and soft, light inside). The dessert is usually topped with fruit and whipped cream). Pavlova is made in a similar way to meringue, with egg whites beaten to a very stiff consistency, gradually adding caster sugar before folding in vinegar or lemon juice (or another edible acid), cornflour, and vanilla essence). The meringue mixture is placed on baking paper and shaped to form a round cake around 20 cm (8 in) in diameter with a slightly recessed center. The meringue is baked in a slow oven (120–150 °C; 248–302 °F) for a few hours until the outside is crisp and the inside is soft and marshmallow-like). Pavlova is traditionally decorated with a topping of whipped cream and fresh soft fruit such as kiwifruit, passionfruit, and strawberries). Factory-made pavlovas can be purchased at supermarkets and decorated as desired).