Pavlova

• 5 egg whites
• 275g sugar
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 Teaspoon vinegar

Place the egg whites in a small mixing bowl and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Add vanilla to egg whites. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until very stiff peaks form and sugar is almost dissolved (about 5 minutes).

Using the back of a spoon, spread meringue onto the circle, building the sides up to form a bowl.

Bake in a 300F/140C oven for 35 minutes. Turn off the oven and let shell dry in the oven, with the door closed for one hour.