Spring Blueberry Meringue Nests (Pavlovas) - FOOD PHOTO SHOOT

in #photography6 years ago

Blueberry Filled Mini Pavlovas (Meringue Nests)-3.jpg

Hey guys, so Spring is just around the corner so it's time to get inspired.

This lovely little treat has been on the list of things that I want to try for way too long because, every time I’ve wanted to actually make it, I keep getting caught in the indecision of whether to make a huge one or to make it in minis.

Blueberry Filled Mini Pavlovas (Meringue Nests)-1.jpg

As you can see I finally stopped messing around and just did it, decided on the minis. I could have left it at calling these ‘meringues’ but the truth is that I kind of just wanted to say Pavlova. Try it, it’s so much fun to say; Pavlova, Pavlova, Pavlova!

Blueberry Filled Mini Pavlovas (Meringue Nests)-2.jpg

Of course I can’t say it all Russian-ly like it’s supposed to sound. I can’t figure out some of the sounds of the language are even possible to pronounce. Honestly, some of them sound closer to gags than syllables to my ears. A random tidbit of fact; the name Pavlova comes from a Russian ballerina that the full-size original of this dessert was named after. (Thank you Wikipedia for your endless depths of mostly useless knowledge.)

I figured since our berry season is almost over here its high time I got in some more recipes using them as the star. I’ll have a few more coming soon, just to let you know, so get excited!

Blueberry Filled Mini Pavlovas (Meringue Nests)-4.jpg

Alright, I know these might seem like some complex dessert to make but they’re really, really simplistic you guys. I mean basically, all you’re doing is cooking down some berries and adding some sugar. Then you beat the snot out of some the aquafaba for about 5 years (not really) and then dry them out on a low temp in the oven. Okay, so there are a few more details in there, but you’ve got the idea, right?

And I know you’ve got this thing, so what are you waiting for? Go make Pavlova!

Blueberry Filled Mini Pavlovas (Meringue Nests)-5.jpg

Spring Blueberry Meringue Nests


Spring time just got sweeter. These pavlovas are such a great way to enjoy all the berries of the season in an elegant and delightful way.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 18 pavlovas (about)

Ingredients


Filling:
2 1/2 cups blueberries fresh
1 cup organic cane sugar
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Meringue:
1 cup aquafaba liquid from a can of garbanzo beans
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Optional:
additional fresh blueberries for topping

Instructions


Filling:
Combine the blueberries and coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat and cook, stirring gently, until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the sugar and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the blueberries have gotten very soft and are nearly falling apart. Whisk the water and cornstarch until smooth and stir into the filling.
Simmer for about 5 more minutes until thickened then remove from heat to cool.
Meringue:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, start beating the aquafaba and cream of tartar on medium speed and increase speed a little after every minute for about 5 minutes until soft peaks form. Now add the sugar, vanilla, almond, and salt and beat on high until stiff peaks form. At this point it should be very stiff and hold its shape well.
Pre-heat your oven to 100 degrees F (80C) and line your baking tray with parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet.
Put you meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large pastry tip. Start by piping a dot in the center of your meringue nest, then in one continuous motion go around the dot twice to make a bigger circle, and then go around again on top of the outer circle to make the sides.
Continue piping until you've made all of your nests then it's time to bake. Place the meringue nests into the oven and bake for 1 hour 45 minutes.
After they're finished baking leave them in the oven until it has cooled completely and then take them out (by letting them slowly cool it will help them not to crack).
Once completely cooled, remove from the oven and spoon in the blueberry filling and top with fresh blueberries if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes


If you're planning to save these for later, store them in an airtight bag or container separate from the filling to keep them dry.

Gringalicious-border.png

ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D750 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.

Also, a huge shoutout to @rigaronib for designing my logo!

Gringalicious Headerlast.jpg

If you're looking for more recipes check out some of my other recent posts!
  1. Superbowl Snack - Southwest Egg Rolls + Ranch Sauce
  2. The Fluffiest Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  3. Creamy Mushrooms + Broccoli Gnocchi
  4. Healthy Cocoa + Maca Bliss Balls
  5. Bowl Style Sushi!

Also, check out my recap of last year
  1. Recapping 2018 for Gringalicious - Part 1
  2. Recapping 2018 for Gringalicious - Part 2
  3. Recapping 2018 for Gringalicious - Part 3

Blueberry Filled Mini Pavlovas (Meringue Nests)-6.jpg

Banner 2019=framed7.jpg

follow_gringalicious.gif

Sort:  

Those looks definitely delicious for sure.
You got amazing skills buddy, Keep flourishing.

Thank you so much!

Everytime I watch your photos I feel my self so hungry :D Great photos as usual and thanks to share the recipe too ^_^

I'm so pleased that you like it!

Great Photos & recipe!
Thanks for sharing some spring & Steem on :)

That's so kind of you!

It looks Berry tastey and healthy thanks for sharing

It's my pleasure!

For those who think that cooking is not an art, I will show you this blog, regards

Thank you so much. I'm so glad you like it.

This is looking so nice perfect food therapy :D

You're so kind. Thank you so much!

Hi, @gringalicious!

You just got a 0.01% upvote from SteemPlus!
To get higher upvotes, earn more SteemPlus Points (SPP). On your Steemit wallet, check your SPP balance and click on "How to earn SPP?" to find out all the ways to earn.
If you're not using SteemPlus yet, please check our last posts in here to see the many ways in which SteemPlus can improve your Steem experience on Steemit and Busy.

another must try recipe.. thanks, keep on sharing some more