Pavlova – the most elegant of all cakes

With the arrival of spring and the appearance of the first strawberries in the markets, we also feel the desire to prepare desserts from this fruit, loved by many. And when it comes to strawberry cakes, there is only one undisputed queen - the Pavlova cake (recipe). A base of delicate, crunchy meringue, sweet whipped cream with a hint of vanilla, and a pile of beautiful juicy strawberries. Can it get better? We doubt it.

DANCING DRESS OF ANNA PAVLOVA

The Pavlova cake got its name from the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, during her tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1926. Everyone agrees on that, but then the dilemma arises - was it created in New Zealand or Australia? Is the head chef of the hotel in Wellington responsible for it, who, according to some sources, designed and prepared this fluffy recipe in her honor, and which, as he allegedly said at the time, was inspired by her dancing dress?

LIGHT AS A BALLERINA

On the other hand, the Australians claim that this mega-popular dessert was created in a hotel in the Australian city of Perth, it was also named after the famous ballerina because the cake is 'light as Pavlova herself'.

Anna Pavlova was a real star of her time, adored and respected by the whole world. As a result, many chefs named their creations after her. So, for example, in France, there are frog legs à la Pavlova, while in America you will find Pavlova ice cream.

SPANISCHE WINDTORTE

However, the latest research shows that today's Pavlova has its roots in Germany. Namely, more than 150 recipes were found for a cake with meringue, cream and fruit, which in Germany was called Spanische Windtorte (Germ. "Spanish Windcake"), and was especially dear to the Habsburgs from the 18th century.

RECIPE

And although the first recorded recipes for Pavlova did not contain meringue at all, but consisted of several layers of jelly, today it only implies a combination of beaten egg whites and sugar that are dried for a long time in the oven, and when it cools down, it is filled with whipped sweet cream and fresh strawberries.

Find the recipe for our Pavlova here.