Lemon Meringue Pavlova
Makes 1 x 8-inch pavlova, serves about 6
This is one showstopper of a dessert. Not only does this recipe produce an ethereally fluffy cloud of sweet and tart goodness, but it’s also the model of efficiency in that it leaves you with zero leftover egg yolks – unlike typical meringue situations which leave you scrambling online to find a recipe requiring for 4 egg yolks. Here we use the reserved yolks to make a luxurious, tart lemon curd which beautifully balances the sweet, marshmallow-y meringue. Serve this baby in the centre of the table and let everyone dig in for the full beautiful mess effect.
ingredients
Meringue
| 4 | egg whites, large size, room temperature (yolks reserved) |
| 1/2 tsp | cream of tartar |
| 3/4 cup | sugar |
| 1/2 | lemon, zest only (reserve balance for curd |
| 1 tsp | distilled white vinegar |
| 2 tsp | cornstarch |
Lemon Curd
| 4 | egg yolks |
| 1/2 cup | sugar |
| 1 Tbsp | lemon zest |
| 1/8 tsp | sea salt |
| 1/3 cup | lemon juice, freshly squeezed (approx. 3 lemons |
| 6 Tbsp | unsalted butter, cubed, room temp. |
Chantilly Cream
| 1/2 cup | whipping cream (35% m.f.) |
| 1 tsp | vanilla |
| fresh blueberries, to garnish (optional) |
Directions
Meringue
WIPE a large mixing bowl with a paper towel dampened lightly with white vinegar – this is to ensure that there’s no oily residue in the bowl, otherwise the white won’t whip.
SEPARATE eggs, working one at a time to crack and separate each egg placing the yolks into a heat-safe glass or metal (but preferably glass) mixing bowl, and the whites into a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer) – we do this because we don’t want any shell pieces or bits of yolk in the mix.
ADD the cream of tartar to the egg whites and use an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on high speed or a whisk and some elbow grease to whip the whites until they’re foamy and glossy peaks form. Add the lemon zest to the sugar and, with the mixer running, gradually add the sugar to the whites and whip until the mixture has shiny, stiff peaks. Add the vinegar and sprinkle the cornstarch over top – use a spatula to gently incorporate.
LINE a baking sheet with parchment and trace an 8-inch circle onto the paper. Flip the paper over so that the unmarked side faces up and scoop the meringue onto the centre of the circle. Use a spatula to spread and evenly fill the circle.
BAKE in centre of oven 1 ½ hours. Next, turn off oven and leave its door closed as the meringue completely cools for 1 hour more. It’ll be crisp on the outside and chewy like a marshmallow on the inside.
Lemon Curd
ADD the reserved egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and salt to a small, heavy-bottom saucepan. Whisk a few minutes until blended and the mixture slightly lightens in colour. Then stir in the lemon juice to combine.
TRANSFER saucepan to stove and set over low heat. Whisk constantly until the mixture starts to bubble lightly and thickens. You’ll know it’s finished cooking when you dip a wooden spoon into the curd, drag your finger through the coating and the line you drew stays intact. Remove pan from heat.
ADD the butter cubes and whisk to incorporate.
STRAIN the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.
COVER the lemon curd by pressing plastic wrap directly onto its surface to prevent a skin from forming as it cools. Refrigerate until cold.
Chantilly Cream & Assembly
WHIP cream and vanilla in a mixing bowl with a whisk or an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until firm peaks.
TO ASSEMBLE, top the pavlova with the cooled lemon curd, then a mound of Chantilly cream and a smattering of fresh blueberries. Cut into wedges and plate, or place in the centre of your table and invite everyone to dig in.