Wedding Pavlova

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a rough 10 inch circle, using a springform of that size as a guide if you have one.
3. 3
   Whisk the egg whites and salt until satiny peaks form.
4. 4
   Then beat in the sugar, tablespoonfuls at a time, until the meringue is stiff and shiny.
5. 5
   Sprinkle over the cornstarch, vinegar and coconut extract, and fold in lightly.
6. 6
   Mound on to the baking sheet within the circle, flatten the top and smooth the sides.
7. 7
   Put in the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 300F and cook for 1 1/4-1 1/2 hours.
8. 8
   It will have risen and cracked on the top and a little around the sides.
9. 9
   If it is not dry and crispy on the outside give it a little longer.
10. 10
    Then turn off the oven, open the door and leave to cool completely.
11. 11
    When you are ready to assemble the pavlova, blanch the peaches or nectarines in boiling water and slip off their skins.
12. 12
    Cut the fruit in half and take out the pits, lay them in a shallow dish and squeeze over the lime juice to keep their color or bleach them.
13. 13
    Invert the pavlova on to a plate and peel off the parchment paper at least, thats what I normally do, though I see from the picture I didnt bother this time.
14. 14
    But if the meringue base hasnt crumbled too much, it is the best thing to do, as it means you swathe the marshmallowy top (ie the inverted bottom) with the cream, and the two seem to meld together.
15. 15
    If all is too crumbly, dont bother.
16. 16
    Whip the cream until thickened but still soft, and pile on top of the meringue, spreading it to the edges in a rough, swirly fashion.
17. 17
    Cut the passionfruit in half, and scoop everything out into a sieve placed over a glass measuring cup and press through, so only the seeds remain in the sieve.
18. 18
    Pour most of the juice over the swirly cream.
19. 19
    Or just halve the passionfruits and scoop pulp, seeds and all, over the cream.
20. 20
    Slice the blanched halved fruit into thin segments and arrange them on top of the cream and passionfruit juice.
21. 21
    Then do a final pouring over of the remaining juice.
22. 22
    Or, if you havent sieved the fruits, just give a little squeezing over of the empty shells.
23. 23
    Sprinkle the shaved coconut over the top of the pavlova, like wedding confetti.