4th of July, 2013, Pictures and Pavlova

Simple wood block table decoration.  I painted and put it together in a day.

Happy Independence  Day! (albeit a bit late in the day)

I've never been much of a holiday celebrationist.  But I'm learning to find the fun and lose the stress.  So far, so good!

Here are some pictures from the day...

Tablescape... checkered tablecloth (90% off), tin cans (upcycle), queen anne's lace (free on the side of the road), pinwheels (dollar store).  SIMPLE and CHEAP!  

Notice how the Queen Anne's Lace looks a bit like fireworks?

MENU... bbq pork sandwiches, green beans with bacon and toasted almonds, mac&cheese, pickles, and cheerwine
I just threw in a picture of me.  

PAVLOVA!!!!!!!
Everyone loved it.
The twins ate berries til I thought they might pop!

And now for the recipe I promised...
I did a mash-up of two recipes.  One from my friend, Cheryl, and one from a Pin.  I knew I wanted the taste of Cheryl's (she served this at Ladies Game Night and it was absolutely scrumptious!) so I used her ingredients and technique but I wanted the amount of the Pin's. 

Pavlova with Berries

6 egg whites
pinch salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon white vinegar
***
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
***
fresh berries

*Preheat oven to 250*.  On the back of a piece of parchment paper draw an 8" circle and place on a cookie sheet (ink/pencil side down).  Spray lightly with cooking spray.

*Beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.

*Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until dissolved and mixture is thick.

*Slowly sprinkle remaining sugar over egg whites while beater is running.

*When egg whites are very stiff, beat in vanilla and vinegar until thick and glossy.

*Spoon mixture onto parchment and spread out using circle as a guide.  You can get fancy and swirl the sides with a knife!  Build up sides slightly. (I forgot to do that!)

*Bake for an hour until firm to the touch.  Turn off oven and leave overnight or at least until oven is completely cool.

*Remove from oven.

*Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.  Use immediately or keep cold until ready to use.

*Just before serving, spoon whipped cream on top of meringue then top with berries.

*Slice and serve!

**NOTE:  Some people prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon while cooling.  I left it closed.