Mini Strawberry Pavlovas

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Who doesn’t love meringues? This crunchy and chewy dessert with a recipe from PBS' Adrianna Adarme of Fresh Tastes is your new go-to for a make-ahead, special treat, and it’s a great way for everyone to enjoy summer fruits! Once the meringue cookie is baked, kids can fill them with a dollop of apricot (or another fruit if you prefer) cream (recipe also included), and top with a few fresh berries. 

Mini Strawberry Pavlovas

Ingredients

For the meringues:
4 large egg whites
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/4 cups white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon white wine or red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the apricot cream:
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup apricot jam (store-bought or homemade) or other jam of choice
Pinch of salt

For assembly:
1/4 pint berries

Directions

1. To make the meringues: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. 

2. To the bowl of your stand-up mixer (or you could use a bowl with a hand electric mixer) with the whisk attachment, add the egg whites, salt, and cornstarch. When the egg whites are foamy, with the mixer still running, pour in the sugar. Beat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on high, until very stiff peaks form. Pour in the vinegar and vanilla extract and beat one last time until mixed. 

3. To the baking sheet, spoon out big dollops of meringue and using the back of a spoon, create little cavities. Repeat until you’ve worked through all of the meringue. I got about 12 meringues. You can make them as big or as large as you like. 

4. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the heat and allow the meringues to come to room temperature. 

5. To make the apricot cream: In a medium bowl, add the heavy cream and beat, using an electric hand mixer, until medium stiff peaks form. Add the apricot jam and salt, in two batches, and gently mix until combined.

6. To assemble: Right before you’re ready to serve, spoon the cream into the center of the meringues. Garnish with a few berries!