Pavlova

Step 1

Position the oven racks so that one rack is in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to convection bake at 175°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle evenly with flour. Draw an 8-inch circle in the flour.

Step 2

Combine the egg whites and salt in the large bowl of an electric mixer. Beat at low speed until foamy. Stir the sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl.

Step 3

Add the cream of tartar and vanilla to the egg whites and increase the speed to high, scraping the bowl once or twice. Add the sugar/cornstarch mixture a heaping tablespoon at a time and continue beating at high speed for at least 8 to 10 minutes, until very stiff.

Step 4

Remove the beaters and with a rubber spatula scoop the meringue into a big pile in the center of the 8-inch circle. With a metal spatula, gently ease the mass into a cake 1 1/2 to 2 inches high. Smooth the edges and top so that it resembles a layer of white cake.

Step 5

Dry in the oven for 5 hours, until the meringue is firm and very light when picked up. If you are serving it right away, top with the fruit and whipped cream. Otherwise, wrap it airtight in a plastic zip-top bag or a tight tin and store in a cool place until you are ready to serve it.