Christmas Wreath Pavlova

Celebrate the festive season with our Christmas Wreath Pavlova, a delightful twist on the classic Australian dessert. This show-stopping pavlova features a crisp meringue base adorned with a luscious passionfruit curd, complemented by whipped cream infused with native wattleseed extract. The addition of finger lime and lemon myrtle extracts imparts a refreshing citrus zing, making it a perfect centrepiece for your Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients:

For the Meringue:

• 4 egg whites, at room temperature
• 180g caster sugar

For the Passionfruit Curd:

• 8-10 passionfruit or approximately ¾ cup passionfruit pulp
• ¾ cup caster sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 120g melted butter
• 10 drops finger lime extract
• 8 drops lemon myrtle extract

For the Cream:

• 2 cups thickened cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 10 drops wattleseed extract

To Garnish:

• Wattleseed

Method:

1. Prepare the Meringue:

   • Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F).
   • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and draw a 20cm circle as a guide.
   • In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
   • Gradually add the caster sugar, whisking until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
   • Spoon the meringue onto the prepared tray, using the drawn circle as a guide, and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside.

2. Prepare the Passionfruit Curd:

   • In a saucepan, combine the passionfruit pulp and caster sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
   • Gradually pour the warm passionfruit mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
   • Remove from heat, stir in the melted butter, finger lime extract, and lemon myrtle extract.
   • Allow the curd to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream:

   • In a chilled bowl, whip the thickened cream with vanilla paste and wattleseed extract until soft peaks form.

4. Assemble the Pavlova:

   • Place the cooled meringue on a serving platter.
   • Spread the passionfruit curd evenly over the meringue.
   • Spoon the whipped cream over the curd.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of wattleseed.

This Christmas Wreath Pavlova combines traditional Australian flavours with native ingredients, offering a unique and festive dessert that's sure to impress your guests.