The Quarantined Kitchen: June 24, 2020

Posted on by Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Your Weekly Culinary Source

The Quarantined Kitchen shares ideas and recipes from Chef Steven Bright, Hospitality Coordinator at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, to help you stay healthy by eating well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 24, 2020: Pavlova

Looking for something to do with egg whites? This dessert is cool, refreshing, and perfectly light for summer!

Pavlova

Serves 6

Ingredients

4 large egg whites (about 4 oz.)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F*. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. With a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar in 2 additions, beating for 30 seconds between, then continue beating on high speed until glossy stiff peaks form, about 2 more minutes. The peaks should be stiff enough that you can hold the whisk upright and the peaks won’t move. Add the vanilla extract and beat for 1 more minute. The peaks should still be very stiff. If not, keep mixing on high speed. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the cream of tartar and cornstarch.
  3. Spread the pavlova mixture into an 8-9-inch circle. You can create a shallow bowl shape with the back of a large spoon. Make sure the edges are relatively tall and there is a nice dip in the center.
  4. Place pavlova in the oven. *As soon as you close the oven door, reduce heat to 200°F. The pavlova will stay in the oven as it cools down to 200°F. Bake until the pavlova is firm and dry, about 90 minutes total. Rotate the baking sheet if you notice some spots browning. Try to limit how many times you open the oven as the cool air will interrupt the baking.
  5. Turn the oven off and let the pavlova cool inside the oven. Once the pavlova is cool, you can store it covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or serve right away.
  6. Once cool, top the pavlova with whipped cream and fresh berries. Slice and serve.

Should you have any questions, or need helpful tips, please feel free to contact Chef Steven via email at: sbright@shadysidepres.org

Be well – eat well!

Chef Steven M. Bright

Read more from Chef Bright by exploring other entries in The Quarantined Kitchen.