Ingredients:
- 6 large egg whites, at room temperature (180 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (1 gram)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (2.5 ml)
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold (480 ml)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered (approximately 300g)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (approximately 300g)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (approximately 125g)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Fold in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Spoon or pipe meringue onto the prepared baking sheet in a large circle (approx. 9-10 inches in diameter). Create a shallow well in the center.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the meringue is crisp and dry to the touch.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Let the meringue cool completely in the oven (at least 2 hours, preferably overnight).
- Gently toss the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla.
- Carefully transfer the meringue to a serving platter.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the center of the meringue.
- Arrange the berries artfully on top of the whipped cream, creating a red, white, and blue pattern.
- Serve Immediately: Pavlova is best served shortly after assembly to maintain the meringue's crispness.