Chocolate Banana Pavlovas Recipes

BANANA SPLIT PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Make the meringue: Preheat the oven to 275˚ F. Trace a 9-inch circle on a sheet of parchment paper, then flip it over and use it to line a baking sheet (you should be able to see the circle through the paper).
• Combine the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a large bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. With the mixer still on, gradually sprinkle in the sugar (about 1 tablespoon at a time), beating 20 to 30 seconds between additions to be sure the sugar dissolves completely. After the sugar is incorporated, continue to beat on medium speed until the meringue is very thick, shiny, stiff and totally smooth, 5 to 10 more minutes (check occasionally by rubbing a bit between your fingers to feel for any sugar granules). Add the cornstarch, vanilla and vinegar and beat to just combine, 20 to 30 more seconds.
• Mound the meringue in the middle of the traced circle on the baking sheet and spread into a 9-inch round. Make a slight indentation in the center for the toppings, then use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to make swoops in the meringue. Place in the oven on the middle rack, then immediately reduce the temperature to 225˚ F. Bake until crisp and dry, about 2 1/2 hours (do not open the oven during baking); the meringue should still be white or a very pale cream color. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely in the oven, 2 to 3 hours.
• Make the toppings: Toss the strawberries and pineapple in separate small bowls with 1 teaspoon sugar each; let stand 15 to 20 minutes until juicy. In a medium bowl, whisk the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully peel the meringue off the parchment and place on a platter. Top with small scoops of ice cream, nestling the banana slices between the scoops. Top with the whipped cream, strawberries, pineapple, hot fudge, cherries and peanuts.

BANOFFEE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and trace an 8 inch circle onto the surface.
• In a small cup or bowl, stir together the sugar, cornstarch, and cream of tartar. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites with salt, vanilla, and vinegar until soft peaks form. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar mixture and continue to whip until stiff and shiny. Mound the mixture into the traced circle on the baking sheet. Flatten the top and smooth the sides using a metal spatula.
• Place in the preheated oven, and immediately reduce the heat to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until a pale golden brown. Turn off the oven, and leave the door slightly ajar with the pavlova inside until completely cooled.
• Just before serving time, invert the cooled pavlova onto a serving plate, and top with slices of banana. Cover banana with caramel sauce. Top that with whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate.