New Zealand Pavlova

A rich meringue dessert named after Anna Pavlova. Traditionally strawberries and kiwifruit, dribbled with passionfruit are used as the filling but you can use anything. The originator of pavlova is not actually known, and there is great rivalry between New Zealand and Australia since both take pride in the invention of this dessert. I originally found this for my husband, the meringue fiend. He loves this. This is pretty involved but a slice of heaven of worth it. :D Posted for Zaar World Tour 05

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 3  egg whites
• 1⁄3 cup  superfine sugar
• 1  teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 1  tablespoon boiling water
• 2  cups heavy whipping cream
• 1⁄4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  cup  sliced kiwi fruit
• 1  cup  sliced strawberry
• 1  cup passion fruit

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
2. Cover a baking sheet with foil, and spray lightly with cooking spray.
3. In a large (chilled and copper if possible)bowl, beat the egg whites to form stiff peaks.
4. Add white sugar slowly, and continue beating.
5. When egg whites are very stiff, add vinegar and boiling water.
6. Continue beating until glossy surface is beginning to fade, and mixture is very stiff.
7. Pile meringue onto prepared baking sheet and shape into a circle 1 1/2 inches thick. Form a slight dip in the center, and make the sides slightly higher.
8. Place meringue in the oven, shut the door, and turn the heat off.
9. Leave in the oven for one hour. Check the texture of the meringue; it should be hard with no soft spots.
10. If soft in the center, heat oven to 250 F (120 degrees C).
11. Place meringue back into the oven, and turn off the heat.
12. Cool when done. Transfer onto a serving platter.
13. Whip the cream until just stiff.
14. Beat in vanilla and confectioners' sugar. Pile the whipped cream onto the meringue.
15. Arrange the fruit on top of the whipped cream, and serve.