Classic Christmas pavlova

In 2010, cooks rose to a challenge to create their best pavlova in the second annual Nosh Food Market Pavlova Competition. More than 45 foodies descended on Nosh Mt Eden to have their meringue masterpieces - decorated to a Christmas theme and judged by a select panel of foodies. Simplicity won on the day. First prize went to a classic Christmas pav with a perfect meringue centre and a thin crispy crust with fresh berries and cream.

Winner Heather Hamilton from St John's has been using the same recipe for more than 40 years. Here are the champ's tips for perfect pav:

• Using less sugar will make your pav marshmallowier with a thinner crust.
• If you want a thicker crust, or if it is humid outside, increase sugar quantity by 20g or so.
• Know your oven. Every oven is different and you have to adapt to make a pav work. If it starts ballooning it means the oven is too hot - and what goes up must come down.
• Avoid cooking pav when it's humid.
• It's best to beat the egg whites at room temperature - which is why the hot water helps. Egg whites freeze well and once thawed beat up nicely for a pavlova.

Ingredients

35 g	Water
350 g	Eggs, whites only, approx. 8 or 9 eggs depending on the size (Main)
1 Tbsp	Vinegar
450 g	Sugar
2 tsp	Vanilla essence/extract

Directions

1. Put the egg whites in bowl and add the 35g hot water.
2. Begin beating, gradually adding sugar while beating.
3. Add vinegar and vanilla towards the end of the sugar, then finish beating in the remaining sugar. Ensure the mixture is thoroughly whisked before assembling on oven tray.
4. Bake at between 160C - 180C for the first 10 minutes then decrease temperature to approx 130C (depending on your oven) and bake for 1½ hours.