Pavlova with Fruit, Whipped Cream Cheese & Granola

Ingredients:

For the Meringue:

• 6 large egg whites (around 220g)
• 1.5 cups superfine sugar
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp ground vanilla beans
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Whipped Cream Cheese:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• 1 tbsp caramel sauce (we use Ardent Homesteader)

Toppings:

• Fresh figs, sliced
• Pomegranate aerials
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Edible Dried Flowers
• Licorice Salt, or your preferred sea salt
• Lemon thyme leaves
• Nasturtium petals
• Jamie's Farm Granola

Instructions:

Meringue Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar until they form stiff peaks.
3. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites.
4. Once the meringue is glossy and holds its shape, gently fold in the vanilla, and cornstarch.
5. Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet with an 8 inch circle traced on it, forming your desired shape with a slight well in the center.
6. As soon as you put the meringue into the oven, change the temperature to 212°F. Low and slow will cook it evenly and prevent it from cracking.
7. Bake for 1 hour or until the meringue is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. 

Whipped Cream Cheese:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and caramel sauce.
2. Whip until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.

Assemble:

1. Gently transfer the cooled meringue base to your serving plate. Make sure that the meringue is cooled COMPLETELY, otherwise it will melt the cream.
2. Spread the whipped cream cheese mixture over the meringue, filling the well in the center.

Toppings:

1. Artfully arrange the fresh fig slices, pomegranate aerials, blueberries, and blackberries on top of the whipped cream cheese.
2. Sprinkle with edible flowers, licorice salt, lemon thyme leaves, and nasturtium petals.
3. For the grand finale, generously sprinkle Jamie's Farm Granola over the pavlova - serve, and enjoy!

This pavlova is best served immediately to maintain the perfect balance of crispy meringue, creamy filling, and vibrant toppings.