Mini Hot Toddy Pavlovas

Experience the cozy flavors of a classic winter cocktail with these Mini Hot Toddy Pavlovas. This elegant dessert features crisp, airy meringues delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and whisky-poached pears. It is a sophisticated, gluten-free treat perfect for cold evenings and festive gatherings.

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The key to these pavlovas is the interplay of textures, where the brittle crunch of the spiced meringue gives way to the tender, syrupy diced pears and smooth cream. Each bite carries the subtle kick of whisky balanced by the sweetness of the fruit.

Ingredients

• Meringues: 4 large egg whites (room temperature), 220 g (1 cup) caster sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, ½ tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg.
• Poached Pears: 2 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and diced), 60 ml (¼ cup) whisky (such as Scotch or bourbon), 60 ml (¼ cup) water, 40 g (3 tbsp) brown sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, 1 strip lemon zest.
• Whipped Cream: 200 ml heavy cream (chilled), 1 tbsp icing sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• Garnish: Extra ground cinnamon (optional), lemon zest (optional).

Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar and whisk to combine.

Step 3

Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 4

Gently fold in cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 5

Spoon or pipe 8 small meringue nests onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Step 6

Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until crisp and dry. Turn off oven and let meringues cool inside with the door ajar.

Step 7

Meanwhile, prepare poached pears: In a saucepan, combine whisky, water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Add diced pears and cook gently for 10-12 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Remove pears with a slotted spoon and let cool. Discard spices and zest.

Step 9

For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Chill until needed.

Step 10

To assemble, top each pavlova with a dollop of whipped cream and spoonfuls of spiced pears. Drizzle with a little poaching syrup if desired.

Step 11

Garnish with extra cinnamon or lemon zest.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best volume, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free before starting. Allowing the meringues to cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar prevents them from cracking too much and helps maintain their crisp texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the whisky with an equal amount of apple juice or pear nectar. You can also try swapping the pears for apples or quinces for a slightly different seasonal flavor.

Serviervorschläge

These pavlovas are best served immediately after assembly. Pair them with a glass of the same whisky used in poaching or a cup of warm spiced tea for a complete Hot Toddy experience.

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Enjoy these elegant Mini Hot Toddy Pavlovas as a cozy and refined dessert. At approximately 220 calories per serving, they provide a light yet flavorful conclusion to any meal.

Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the meringues ahead of time?

Yes, meringues can be baked up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Assemble with cream and pears just before serving.

→ What type of whisky works best for this dessert?

Both Scotch and bourbon work beautifully. Scotch offers a smokier, more complex flavor, while bourbon provides sweeter, vanilla notes. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.

→ How do I prevent meringues from cracking?

Allow meringues to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open. Avoid temperature shocks and ensure egg whites are at room temperature and the bowl is completely grease-free before whisking.

→ Can I make this without alcohol?

Absolutely. Replace the whisky with apple juice, pear nectar, or even strong brewed tea for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.

→ What's the best way to pipe meringue nests?

Use a large star tip in a piping bag or simply spoon the meringue onto parchment paper, creating small circles with a slight well in the center using the back of a spoon.

→ How long will assembled pavlovas stay crisp?

Assemble just before serving, as the cream and fruit will soften the meringue within 30-60 minutes. For best texture, keep components separate until ready to plate.