2 egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons boiling water

Place all ingredients into a medium sized bowl and beat until mixture is smooth, shiny and stuff, about 12 minutes. Place sheet of greaseproof paper (parchment or waxed paper) on baking tray. Brush lightly with melted butter and dust with a little cornstarch, shake off excess. Spoon meringue mixture onto prepared tray, forming a 9-inch circle. Bake in middle of oven, 350 degrees, for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 300 and bake for 45 minutes more. Allow to cool in oven. Do not open the oven door at any stage while cooking or cooling until it is cold!!

Filling: 1-1/4 cups cream
1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
Sliced kiwifruit, strawberries, etc.

Whip cream with sugar until stiff. Spread on top of cooled pavlova. Top with fruit. Serves 6.