Pavlova - meringue

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites

1 1/4 cups white sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon juice 

optional: 

1 pint heavy cream (whipped with 2 - 4 TBSP sugar)

fruit 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9 inch circle on it

3. Beat egg whites in a large bowl until stiff but not dry. Gradually add sugar about 1 TBSP at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until thick and glossy. 

4. Gently fold in cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.

5. Spoon the mixture inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper. Working from the center, spread the mixture toward the outside edge and build the edge slightly. This should leave a slight depression in the center. 

6. Bake in the preheated oven until the meringue is dry and sounds hollow when tapped, about 1 hour. Turn off oven and let it cool for a couple hours in the oven or if you want to eat it sooner take it out and let it cool. 

7. Beat heavy cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form; set aside. Remove meringue from the parchment paper and place on a flat serving plate. 

8. Fill center of meringue with whipped cream and top with fruit. 

9. ENJOY!