In a previous project 10 post I showed a photograph of a magnificent pavlova; white, crystal crunchy outer surface, foamy melt-in-the-mouth centre, topped with cream and ice-cream and surrounded by blood-red coulis and dribbled with strawberries.  Even if you don’t go back and check the picture it still sounds irresistible, doesn’t it?

I was hospital visiting this week and took a few  current magazines in to entertain my bed-ridden friend.  On the front of one was attached a small complimentary Christmas Cookbook entitled Julie Goodwin’s ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS FEAST.

As I flicked through it, what should catch my eye but a Pavlova Roulade with strawberries and pomegranate.  You can clearly see the thick foamy meringue in the picture.  I started to wonder if all Pavlovas come with strawberries as I don’t remember seeing one without.  So I went exploring.  Google Images is masterful for this type of search and didn’t disappoint.

Here we can see what I consider to be the traditional Aussie Pavlova, a deep meringue topped with cream and fruit.  But why doesn’t it sink in the middle?

Well in this photo you can see the density of the meringue which is holding the weight of the whipped cream and fruit.  Ah, there are the strawberries again.

I looked for a picture of my English idea (read that as my Mum’s version)  of a Pavlova.

Here it is.  Mini, individual crispy meringue nests with cream and topped with fruit…….. again strawberries.

I skimmed through a few of the thousands and thousands of Google hits of Pavlova images and all but a tiny few included strawberries, the reminder had mango and passionfruit or kiwi.

Why am I so obsessed with this subject? It’s the colours, my eyes simply can’t ignore the drama of the bright fruit colours against the stark brilliance of the white meringue.  It screams delight, enticement, a special treat and a little bit of something naughty at me.  I’ve come to the conclusion I really understand the meaning of  the phrase ‘eye-candy’ – something utterly compelling that makes you lick your lips and forget all restraint.

It was good to look at these images as I’m continuing on my own stitched ‘confections’ today and it’s been a reminder that I’m not looking for subtlety, I’m after drama and brilliance.

A final note:

If you’re really not a Pavlova person ………..you could always try the Chocolate Bomb!!!

Resources:
http://www.womansday.ninemsn.com.au/food/foodfeatures/996545/freezing-pavlova-shells
http://www.cakedelivery.com.au/2.html
http://www.maiapapaya.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/pavlova-lovah/
The Australian Women’s Weekly, Julie Goodwin’s ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS FEAST  booklet, dated December 2012.