Foolproof Pavlova

Directions
Preparation:30min  ›  Cook:1hour15min  ›  Extra time:1hour cooling  ›  Ready in:2hours45min 

1. Pavlova: Preheat the oven to 120 degrees C. Line a baking tray with baking paper then draw an 18cm circle on the paper.
2. Beat the egg whites on medium speed until they are light and creamy with soft peaks. Switch to high speed continuing beating while adding the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is stiff and shiny. Ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved and that the mixture doesn't feel grainy. Beat in the vanilla. Remove the beaters and sprinkle the mixture with vinegar and cornflour, then gently fold in.
3. Spoon the pavolva into the centre of the circle drawn on the baking paper. Using the back of a spoon spread to the edges. Build up the edges slightly so that they're higher than the centre, which will make decorating your pavlova a lot easier.
4. Bake for 75 minutes in the preheated oven. Then turn off the oven, prop the door slightly open and leave the pavlova to cool completely in the oven.
5. Decorating: In a clean stainless steel or glass bowl (chill the bowl in the fridge first for better whipping), beat the cream to soft peaks. Add the sugar and beat a little longer. Spoon the whipped cream on top of the pavlova and spread to the edges.
6. You can use almost any combination of fresh fruits to top your pavlova. For an especially stunning presentation, try fresh berries and sugared rose petals. Place the fresh berries in the centre of the pavlova on top of the whipped cream, then arrange the sugared rose petals around the edges. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Sugared Rose Petals

To make the sugared rose petals, break off the petals of organic, unsprayed roses. Brush each petal with beaten egg white, then gently dredge in granulated sugar. Set on a plate or piece of greaseproof paper to dry.