If I were to rank my favorite cloud-like desserts it would start with meringue and end with cotton candy. Granted, there are really only two items that fall into this category but they are both light and fluffy and delicious.
You may call this a gigantic meringue or a perfect pavlova but in either case, you should fill it with an apricot sauce or whipped cream--or even hot fudge--top it with some berries and serve it with lobster, cheese, guacamole, chips, popcorn, hummus or whatever else your next dinner party serves up.
Pavlova
4 large egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 cup superfine or regular sugar
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Make the pavlova: Preheat oven to 350°F and place rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7 inch circle on the paper.
Pour the vanilla and vinegar into a small cup. Stir the cornstarch into the sugar in a small bowl.
In a large bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip egg whites and salt, starting on low, increasing to medium speed until egg whites start to bubble and soft peaks begin to form (~2 to 3 minutes).
Increase speed to medium-high and slowly add the sugar mixture. A few minutes after these dry ingredients are added, slowly pour in the vanilla and vinegar. Increase speed and whip until meringue is glossy, and stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted.
Gently spread the meringue inside the circle on the parchment paper, making sure the edges of the meringue are slightly higher than the center.
Place in oven and immediately drop temperature to 250°F. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the outside is dry. Turn the oven off, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the meringue cool completely in the oven. Tip: bake this at night and leave in the over until morning!
