Classic Aussie Pavlova, my mum's secret recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What does pavlova mean in Australia? ›

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert. Originating in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century, it was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Taking the form of a cake-like circular block of baked meringue, pavlova has a crisp crust and soft, light inside.

But the fruit is the big thing; that's probably the biggest difference between Australian and New Zealand pavlova. The New Zealand pavlova is very much a kiwi fruit thing, whereas in Australia you have passionfruit and occasional atrocities I've seen, like pineapple.

The secret to a good, crisp pavlova is in the drying of the meringue after cooking. If there is a lot of moisture in the air, whether from humidity or even other cooking you are doing in the kitchen, you will have problems. That's why the “Pavlova Nazi” in me insists on no boiling saucepans during pav time.

Use the freshest eggs possible. Fresh eggs create a better foam than older eggs. They're more acidic, which allows proteins to knit together tightly making a more stable foam. Frozen (and defrosted) egg whites are a good option too, as long as they were frozen while fresh.

Pavlova, the Australian national dessert, is one of the most delicious desserts you'll ever try! Cased in meringue, crisp from the outside but soft and tender inside, it is topped with a layer of whipped cream and a layer of fresh fruits.

Pav: the shortened term for pavlova, which is a popular dessert across Australia and New Zealand.

Many believe that the recipe for lamingtons was brought to Australia by Lord Lamington's wife, Lady Lamington, who was a New Zealander. Regardless of the exact origin, lamingtons have become an iconic Antipodean treat and hold a significant place in both Australian and New Zealand culture.

They reckon Bert Sachse, a chef in Perth, Western Australia, created the dessert but his recipe is believed to date from around 1935. They also claim to have a Pavlova recipe dated 1926, the same year as New Zealand's recipe. However, the Aussie version has jelly as a base.

What's the Difference Between Pavlova and Meringue? Pavlovas and meringues are both made of whipped egg white, but a Pavlova has a delicate crispy exterior with pillowy soft marshmallow inside, while meringue is dry and crisp all the way through.

Vinegar added to the meringue will lower the pH of the egg whites. This acidic environment will also help to stabilize the egg white foam, preventing the meringue from collapsing too much. The acidity helps to unravel the protein and prevent the proteins from binding together too tightly.

Why does my pavlova taste eggy? ›

Pavlova meringues should have a crisp crust on the outside but a soft, marshmallowy centre. It is quite unusual for a meringue to have an "eggy" flavour and unfortunately this is usually an indication that the eggs are slightly stale.

If you do happen to overbeat your meringue (which may end up looking clumpy and watery) you can try to save it by adding another egg white.

so let's discuss how to adapt it. Sugar makes the pavlova mixture strong and stable, and is responsible for that super hard shiny crust. I found that as you reduce the sugar or increase the brown sugar (it has more moisture), the final result is a chewier, with a more fragile, shattery crust.

Make sure your utensils and egg whites are free of any grease. Do not use parchment paper or a greased and floured baking sheet– the meringue will often stick to them. Use aluminum foil.

Don't open the oven door while the Pavlova is baking! If you must check the shell when the baking time is up, very quickly open the door and tap on the shell, then gently close the door straight away. The Pavlova must be left to cool completely in the oven, undisturbed.

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that originated in either Australia or New Zealand. The elegant dish is named after Anna Pavlova, a Russian ballerina. It has a crisp meringue crust, a soft whipped cream interior, and a fruit topping.

How did the Pavlova begin? The pavlova is named after the famed Russian ballerina Anna Matveyevna Pavlova (1881-1931), who was famous for her enchanting loveliness. It was said of her that when she danced she soared through the air as though she had wings.

What's the Difference Between Pavlova and Meringue? Pavlovas and meringues are both made of whipped egg white, but a Pavlova has a delicate crispy exterior with pillowy soft marshmallow inside, while meringue is dry and crisp all the way through.

Named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, a pavlova is essentially a meringue cake made of whipped egg whites and sugar. It's perfectly light and crisp on the outside, ever so slightly chewy, and the middle tastes like a light, airy marshmallow.