Brown Sugar Peach Pavlova Recipes

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Using a 20cm plate or cake tin as a template, draw a circle on a large sheet of baking parchment, flip it over and place on a large baking tray. When ready, dot a blob of raw meringue onto each corner of the baking tray and put the baking parchment on top - this way it won't slip.
• In a well-cleaned, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites with an electric hand whisk until they form stiff peaks. Add the caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, continuing to whisk as you go. The meringue will start to get thick and glossy. Add the brown sugar in the same way, continue whisking for another 1-2 mins until really thick and holding stiff, shiny peaks on the end of your whisk. Now add the cornflour and vinegar, and give a final whisk until smooth.
• Using a large metal spoon, pile the meringue onto the parchment-lined tray, using the circle template as a guide to create a symmetrical circle. Use the spoon to make a dip in the middle (this will hold your cream and fruit later) and a few spikes of meringue around the edges. Place in the centre of the oven, shut the door and immediately turn the temperature down to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Cook the meringue for 1 hr 10 mins, then turn the oven off and leave until completely cold (best done overnight).
• For the topping, put the 100ml honey in a wide frying pan and heat until saucy. Add the peach slices and cook for 1-2 mins on each side, over quite a high heat, until the peaches are sticky but still holding their shape. Cool completely.
• Just before you are ready to serve, assemble the pavlova. Tip the cream, vanilla and remaining honey into a bowl. Whisk until it just holds soft peaks, then add the yogurt and, using a spatula, fold together until combined. Spoon the cream into the centre of the meringue and swirl it out towards the edges. Top with the sticky peaches and any saucy bits from the pan, and sprinkle over the pistachios.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2 and line two large baking trays with baking parchment. Using a 900g loaf tin as a template, trace two rectangles onto the parchment. Turn it over. Sift both the sugars into a large bowl (use a spoon to push it through). Whip the egg whites on low speed in a stand mixer or with an electric whisk until small bubbles form. Turn the speed up to medium and whisk to stiff peaks. Add the sugar mix, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking between each addition until all the sugar has been added. Drop in the vanilla. Whisk for 3-4 mins more until the meringue is smooth (not grainy) - test it between your fingertips.
• Spoon the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, and pipe it over the parchment using the templates so you have two meringue rectangles. Use a skewer to create more swirls, if you like. Bake for 50 mins-1 hr until crisp, then turn off the oven. Leave to cool inside.
• To decorate, whisk the cream, icing sugar and vanilla extract to soft peaks using an electric whisk. Place one meringue on a serving board, then pipe or spoon over half the cream. Layer over half the fruit, top with the second meringue, then the rest of the cream and the remaining fruit. Best eaten on the day it's made, but will keep chilled for up to two days.