Pavlova (Egg White Meringue Dessert)

Prep baking sheet, preheat oven: Place rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 275°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the vanilla extract and vinegar (if using) into a small cup. Stir the cornstarch into the sugar in a small bowl. Whip egg whites, cream of tartar (if using), and salt: In a large bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip the egg whites, cream of tartar (if using), and salt, starting on low, increasing incrementally to medium speed until soft peaks/trails start to become visible and the egg white bubbles are very small and uniform, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Elise Bauer Elise Bauer Add sugar-cornstarch mixture, vanilla, and whip: Increase speed to medium-high, slowly and gradually sprinkling in the sugar-cornstarch mixture. A few minutes after these dry ingredients are added, slowly pour in the vanilla and, if you didn't use cream of tartar, the vinegar. Increase speed a bit and whip until meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted, 4 to 5 minutes. Elise Bauer Elise Bauer Elise Bauer Pipe the meringues: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner, pipe or spoon the meringue into 8 to 10 large round mounds that are 3 inches wide. With the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the middle of the mound for holding the filling once meringue is baked. Elise Bauer Elise Bauer Bake: Place baking sheet in the 275°F oven. Reduce oven temperature to 250°F. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the meringues are crisp, dry to the touch on the outside, and white (not tan-colored or cracked). The interiors should have a marshmallow-like consistency. Check on meringues at least once during the baking time. If they appear to be taking on color or cracking, reduce temperature 25 degrees and turn pan around. Elise Bauer Elise Bauer Cool: Gently lift from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. The meringues will keep in a tightly sealed container or individually wrapped at room temperature for up to a week if your house is not humid. Serve: Top with your favorite filling (lemon curd, raspberry or blueberry sauce, and freshly whipped cream) and serve.