A delicious light and refreshing dessert for a hot summer evening – Individual Pavlovas. Easy to make, vanilla meringue shell bases are filled with sweet whipped cream and topped with seasonal fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.

INGREDIENTS
4 large egg whites, room temperature
Kosher salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, plus more
2 cups of strawberries sliced in half, raspberries, or blackberries

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 250˚F . Trace six 3” circles on each of 2 sheets of parchment paper. Transfer each sheet of paper to a baking sheet, tracing-side down.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt on medium-high speed until soft, glossy peaks form. With mixer running, add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat meringue on high until stiff and glossy, about 5 minutes more. Sprinkle in cornstarch and vanilla,  gently fold to combine.

Add to a large piping bag fitted with a tip. Pipe the meringue in the center of each of the circles, making a shell shape. Place the baking sheets in oven and bake until firm and dry to the touch but not browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven and let meringues cool for 1 hour. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Using a hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Top each meringue with a dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of berries. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and serve immediately.