By Julie Goodwin

Serving size: Serves 10 or more
Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Favourite flavours: Cakes/baking

This beautiful dessert is absolutely spectacular and looks the part on any festive table.

INGREDIENTS

8 egg whites
2 cups (440g) caster sugar
1 tablespoon cornflour
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornflour, extra
300ml thickened cream
750g strawberries
1 medium (320g) pomegranate

CRYSTALLISED MINT LEAVES
1 egg white, beaten lightly
10 small fresh mint sprigs
2 tablespoons caster sugar

METHOD

1. CRYSTALLISED MINT LEAVES: Using small brush or your finger, spread a little egg white over the surface of each leaf. Dip in caster sugar. Place on baking paper; stand until dry.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Grease a 26cm x 38cm Swiss roll pan; line the base with baking paper, extending paper 3cm over long sides.
3. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar, a little at a time, beating until sugar is dissolved between additions and firm peaks have formed.
4. Sift the cornflour over the mixture; add vinegar and vanilla, gently fold through the meringue. Do this very gently! Spread mixture into the pan; bake for about 20 minutes or until just firm. Cool for 5 minutes.
5. Place a clean tea towel on the bench; top with a sheet of baking paper, sprinkle with extra cornflour. Invert the pan so the pavlova turns out on top of the baking paper. Remove the lining paper; cool.
6. Whip cream in a small bowl with electric mixer until firm peaks form. Slice one-third of the strawberries. Spread cream in a line along the long edge of the pavlova closest to you. Press the sliced strawberries into the cream. Now for the fun part — carefully, using the tea towel and baking paper as a helping hand, roll the pavlova over the cream until it looks like a log. Carefully lift onto a serving plate with the join at the bottom. Slice the roulade and decorate with the remaining quartered strawberries, pomegranate seeds and Crystallised Mint Leaves.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave.