Winter Fruit & Nut Pavlova

Method

Preparation

1. Pre-heat the oven to 140°c/120°c fan/gas.
2. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and draw a 30cm circle on it as a template.
3. Place the egg whites in a large, spotlessly clean mixing bowl and whisk with a hand held or freestanding electric mixer until stiff peaks have formed.
4. Add the caster sugar a spoon full at a time, whisking the whole time then add the sea salt and vanilla extract.
5. Continue to whisk for around 8 minutes or until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. To test this take a pinch of mixture between your finger and thumb and rub together - if it’s a little gritty continue mixing.
6. Spoon the mixture on to the lined baking sheet using the back of the spoon to create peaks.
7. Place the pavlova in the oven for around 1 hour and 20 minutes or until set.
8. Once baked, allow to cool down completely.
9. Once cooled you can keep the pavlova in an air tight box for around 3 days in a cool dark place.

Before serving

1. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve remove the pavlova from the oven and pre-heat to 140°c/120°c fan/gas 1.
2. Line a small roasting tin or baking sheet with grease proof paper.
3. Rinse the pecans under cold water in a sieve and tip into a roasting tin whilst wet, sprinkle over 1 tablespoon icing sugar, toss together and bake in the oven for around 15 minutes until toasted and crunchy.
4. Meanwhile pour the cream into a large mixing bowl with the remaining 1 tablespoon of icing sugar and vanilla bean paste. Whisk to soft peaks and place to one side.
5. Wash fruits and quarter the figs. Place the pavlova on a serving plate or board and spoon over the cream and chestnut puree and then arrange the fruit on top. Scatter over the caramelised pecans and dust over a little ground cinnamon.