Those around here in their 30s - like yours truly - probably remember Rick Astley: a thin, red haired guy that had a really powerful voice. It made me wonder how such a strong voice would come out of such a small person. For my younger audience – who must be thinking “what on earth is she talking about??” - Alex Band would be a similar example. :D
The lavender buds I used in this recipe are just the same: teeny tiny, but full of flavor.
Lavender and white chocolate mini pavlovas
own creation, based on a recipe from Donna Hay magazine
1/3 cup (80ml) egg whites
½ cup (100g) caster sugar
½ teaspoon edible dried lavender
1 tablespoon corn starch, sifted
1 teaspoon white vinegar
¾ cup (180ml) whipping cream
50g white chocolate shavings
lavender buds, to decorate
Preheat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper (I used regular). Trace six 8cm rounds on one side of it then turn the paper over.
Place the sugar and lavender in a small food processor and process for 15 seconds or until the lavender buds are coarsely ground. Sift the sugar into a bowl and discard the excess lavender.
Place the egg white in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk until stiff peaks form – the bowl must be completely free of fat and/or water.
Gradually add the sugar, whisking well, until the mixture is stiff and glossy - rub a little of the mixture between your fingertips; when you no longer feel the sugar granules, the mixture is ready.
Add the corn starch, vinegar and whisk until just combined.
Divide the mixture into the traced circles.
Reduce oven to 120ºC/250ºF and bake for 35 minutes – mine baked for 45.
Turn the oven off and allow the pavlovas to cool completely in the oven – I did this overnight and, even though the pavlovas seemed to be too soft when I turned off the oven, there was a thin, hard layer outside them on the following morning.
Whisk the cream until firm peaks form. Place a layer of whipped cream over each meringue and top with chocolate shavings and a few lavender buds – they are kind of bitter so you might want to decorate your pavlovas some other way.
Makes 6
19 comments:
Hey, I haven't hit 30 and I know RA very well! But I didn't know till recently he was British :/
The pavlovas are so pretty-- gotta love that lavender and cream color combination :)
these look so nice and the lavender is just the finishing touvh . Awesome :)
I really like the way you incorporate different flavors and combinations into your baking, not to mention everything alwasys looks fabulous.
Rick Astley's actually pretty well-known in the younger crowd due to the practice of "rick rolling."
Rick Astley's actually pretty well-known in the younger crowd due to the practice of "rick rolling."
We just tried pavlovas for the first time last week. And I have more egg whites in my freezer waiting to be turned into that heavenly confection. I love the idea of lavender and white chocolate. Well, what isn't great with lavender?
Gorgeous!
Ahhh... Rick Astley... hadn't thought about him in a LONG time!
These look lovely, Patricia!
Mmm, I really want to try making pavlova and I really love lavender right now, so this sounds perfect to me!
so pure and so white, just awesome, just heavenly made! :)
mmmm .. delicious :-)! Looks like heaven indeed :-)!
I was crazy for RA!!!
Love the pav!
What delicious little creations! I can imagine how delicious the combination of white chocolate and lavender is.
Those are so pretty. It makes me want to have a tea party!
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thank you!
Mark, you are younger than me, I did not know that! :D
I'm glad you like the pavs, tks!
Natalie, thank you, sweetie!
Crystal, you are far too kind, dearie, thank you!
Lindsey, I love lavender too - and I've been having extra egg whites all the time due to my custard-based ice creams.
Thank you for your comment!
xx
Michelle, I usually listen to his songs when I'm on the treadmill. :D
Thank you!
Anna, I hope you give it a go!
Big Boys Oven, tks for stopping by!
Gine, thank you!
xx
Maya, I was, too - and I have lots of freckles, just like him. :D
Ashley, I like them together! Thank you!
Pam, thank you, darling!
Tennen-Perman, thank you!
Arigato! :D
These are right up my alley Patricia! I adore meringue with white chocolate and I love lavender. It's like you made this for me! :)
Patricia--I've been very behind in catching up on reading blogs lately and I don't have time to comment on every one of your posts. But I did want to tell you that your food is so creative and the flavor combinations get me every time! I absolutely love reading your blog and love how much it inspires me!
What a unique spin on the pavlova. Just wonderful! I love your creativity--lavender and white chocolate sound absolutely divine.
Wow, such a beautiful creation! I haven't tried cooking with lavender yet, I may start with this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
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