Pavlova

Pavlova:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the egg whites and salt to a stand mixer.
3. Start on the lowest speed setting, as it thickens raise the speed higher.
4. Beat until soft peaks form (when you lift the beater attachment it should pull up the egg whites, to be a soft peak, the top of the peak will fall over).
5. Add in the powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time and keep beating until it forms stiff peaks (this means when the beater is lifted the egg in the bowl will stand straight up).
6. Dust in the cornstarch using a small strainer all over the egg whites.
7. Stir in gently, then add in the vanilla and vinegar.
8. Add the ring from a springform pan to the baking sheet (if you don't have a springform pan using a pencil draw an 8" circle with a pencil and turn the parchment paper over so the pencil doesn't transfer onto your pavlova).
9. Add the meringue to the springform ring then lift the ring out gently and smooth gently with a spatula, flattening the top a bit too (this makes it easier to top with whipped cream if the middle of the pavlova is flattened).
10. Put the pavlova in the oven, then reduce heat to 300 degrees.
11. Cook for 75 minutes, then turn off the oven.
12. Do not remove the pavlova or it may break, let cool completely in the oven.
13. When the pavlova goes in the oven, make the balsamic berries.
14. When the pavlova is cooled gently lift and put the pavlova on a serving platter.

Balsamic Strawberries:

1. To a large bowl add the strawberries, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and balsamic vinegar.
2. Let sit while pavlova cooks and cools.

Whipped Cream:

1. Add the heavy cream to a stand mixer, starting with low speed and moving to higher speed.
2. When the cream is almost firm add the powdered sugar, then keep beating until whipped cream is firmer.

To Finish:

1. Using a spoon, gently press down in the center of the pavlova to make a well.
2. Add the whipped cream to the top of the pavlova, then top with the strawberries.
3. Spoon strawberry liquid over the berries.
4. Serve in wedges.