Pavlova is a traditional dessert from Australia and New Zealand that is a large meringue-like base topped with cream and fruit. It’s a light summer dessert.
seasonal fruitalthough use of canned passion fruit is also traditional
Equipment
camp oven or Dutch oven
whisk or electric beaters
Directions
Pavlova Base
Beat the egg whites with the pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, then add the sugar slowly while still beating. If you add the sugar too early the pavlova may not be able to keep its shape. Mix in the cornstarch and vanilla or rose extract.
Continue beating for 10 minutes ensuring all the sugar is fully dissolved. When ready the egg white mix will hold its shape and be shiny.
To create the individual pavlova cups, transfer the mixture to a piping bag. On baking paper starting in the center, pipe in a single stream in ever-growing circles for the base. When it reaches the desired size, continue piping the circles upwards making the sides. For consistency, you can trace or draw on the baking paper the desired base size, then pipe out to this.
When all the pavlovas are made transfer the tray to a camp oven preheated to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) and cook for 1 hour. Turn off the camp oven and allow it to cool with the pavlova in it. In cold weather leave the door closed as the oven will cool fairly quickly anyway. In hot weather crack the door open to help the temperature reduce in a shorter time.
When cool remove from the oven and store in a cool dry place until needed. As making the pavlova base is a more difficult step, it can be done at home and then the dessert assembled at the campsite.
To Assemble
Lay out the pavlova shells on their serving tray(s). Pipe in the cream and top with the fruit of your choice. Serve as soon as practical so the pavlova shell doesn’t go soggy.