Pink Peppercorn Pavlova With Strawberries, Vanilla Cream, And Basil Syrup

Serves: 6

Jailyn Upton

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

52

Spice

56

Sweetness

53

Sourness

40

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.8

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 tbsp

Sugar

1.5 tsps

Cornstarch

Directions:

1

For basil syrup: Blanch 1/3 cup basil leaves in small saucepan of boiling water 30 seconds

2

Drain, then transfer basil to bowl of ice water to cool

3

Drain; squeeze out excess water from basil

4

Puree basil with corn syrup in blender

5

Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop

6

Bring basil syrup to room temperature, then strain through sieve into small bowl

7

Blanch 1/3 cup basil leaves in small saucepan of boiling water 30 seconds

8

Drain, then transfer basil to bowl of ice water to cool

9

Drain; squeeze out excess water from basil

10

Puree basil with corn syrup in blender

11

Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop

12

Bring basil syrup to room temperature, then strain through sieve into small bowl

13

For meringues: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 275°

14

Firmly trace six 21/2-inch circles on parchment paper, then invert onto baking sheet

15

Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl to soft peaks

16

Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating to medium-firm peaks

17

Mix remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in small bowl

18

Gradually beat sugar-cornstarch mixture into meringue; continue beating until very stiff

19

Beat in white wine vinegar

20

Fold in peppercorns

21

Divide meringue between circles; spread to fill completely

22

Bake until outside is dry, about 25 minutes

23

Turn oven off and open door just slightly

24

Let meringues cool in oven until completely dry, about 1 hour

25

DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead

26

Cool completely

27

Store in airtight container at room temperature

28

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 275°

29

Firmly trace six 21/2-inch circles on parchment paper, then invert onto baking sheet

30

Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl to soft peaks

31

Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating to medium-firm peaks

32

Mix remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in small bowl

33

Gradually beat sugar-cornstarch mixture into meringue; continue beating until very stiff

34

Beat in white wine vinegar

35

Fold in peppercorns

36

Divide meringue between circles; spread to fill completely

37

Bake until outside is dry, about 25 minutes

38

Turn oven off and open door just slightly

39

Let meringues cool in oven until completely dry, about 1 hour

40

DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead

41

Cool completely

42

Store in airtight container at room temperature

43

For strawberry coulis: Puree berries and sugar in blender until smooth

44

Puree berries and sugar in blender until smooth

45

For vanilla cream: Place cream and sugar in medium bowl

46

Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean

47

Using electric mixer, beat cream to soft peaks

48

Do ahead Coulis and vanilla cream can be made 6 hours ahead

49

Cover separately and refrigerate

50

Place small dollop of vanilla cream in center of each of 6 plates

51

Spoon circle of strawberry coulis around vanilla cream

52

Top each with 1 meringue

53

Spoon generous amount of vanilla cream atop meringues

54

Top with quartered strawberries and fresh basil leaves

55

Drizzle basil syrup over and serve

56

Place cream and sugar in medium bowl

57

Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean

58

Using electric mixer, beat cream to soft peaks

59

Do ahead Coulis and vanilla cream can be made 6 hours ahead

60

Cover separately and refrigerate

61

Place small dollop of vanilla cream in center of each of 6 plates

62

Spoon circle of strawberry coulis around vanilla cream

63

Top each with 1 meringue

64

Spoon generous amount of vanilla cream atop meringues

65

Top with quartered strawberries and fresh basil leaves

66

Drizzle basil syrup over and serve