Easy peasy dinner party pavlova
This pavlova is not only delicious, but it’s crammed with immune boosting guavas, too.
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One of nature’s most powerful sources of vitamin C, guavas are rich in protective antioxidants making them the perfect fruit to enjoy during the chilly autumn and winter months. Since the largest concentration of vitamin C is found just under the skin, the guavas for this delicious pavlova recipe are poached unpeeled in Roodeberg Rosé, along with the pips, which are high in fibre and are a good source of iron. The recipe for this Roodeberg Rosé-inspired guava pavlova was shared by local foodie Elmarie Berry.
For the pavlova, you’ll need: 6 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups cups caster sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornflour; 300ml fresh cream
To make:
Preheat the oven to 120°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and draw a 20cm disc onto the paper. Turn the paper over so that the drawn disc is underneath.
Use an electric mixer to whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Ensure the bowl is clean, as any fat or spot of egg yolk can prevent egg whites from fluffing up. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until the meringue is thick and glossy and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the lemon juice and cornflour and gently fold to combine. Spoon the meringue onto the tray. Use a spatula to shape into a disc, using the circle as a guide. Bake for 90 minutes. Turn off the oven, leave the door closed and allow it to cool completely. This stops the pavlova from cracking.
Use an electric mixer to beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Fill the pavlova with the cream and top it off with the poached guavas and guava sauce.
For the cardamom poached guava, you’ll need: 4 guavas, halved; 1 cup each Roodeberg Rosé wine, water, and sugar; 4 cardamom pods; a pinch of vanilla seeds
To make: Simmer the wine, sugar, cardamom pods and vanilla in a pot for 10 minutes. Add the halved guavas and slowly simmer for a further 10 -15 minutes. Spoon them out of the syrup and allow to cool.
For the guava sauce, you’ll need: 3 guavas, peeled and seeded; ½ cup each water and Roodeberg Rosé; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice
To make: Bring all the ingredients to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes until the guavas are soft. Take the pot off the heat and allow it to cool. Blend them all together and drizzle over the pavlova.
Served with a glass of Roodeberg Classic Rosé 2019 – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Mourvedre, this vivacious and enchanting rosé is fresh and crisp, with good acidity and a long, fruity finish to complement the tropical flavours of nutritious guavas. You’ll find it for around R79.99 from your local wine store.