Happy Fourth of July, friends!
I want to wish you all the most lovely and relaxing day...
whatever you find yourself doing today, I hope you are reminded of the great freedom we have
as Americans. And to be grateful for those who have fought, and are continuing to fight, for those freedoms, both big and small, every single day.
In our home today, we're planning a big cookout with lots of yummy food.
The weather has been so wonderful these last couple of days, not too hot and clear, sunny skies.
The perfect weather for a summer holiday, indeed!
My mom, sister, and I went to a grand fireworks show on Friday night...
it's the same one we've been going to since I was a baby.
It is always a fabulous show but this year, I think they went above and beyond to make it
O U T S T A N D I N G !
Last year, due to the pandemic, all holiday events were cancelled
and so we are certain they wanted to make up for it.
And make up for it they did! It was exceptional beyond words!
This entry in my "baking diary" is pavlova, which I made for Memorial Day back in May.
It was on my list of things to bake for years after watching the British Bake-Off so many times.
So I finally got brave enough to tackle it; meringues always intimidate me!
And I used Mary Berry's recipe, too.
It was by far one of the most fun things I've ever baked. I've never had success with meringue until this recipe so I was quite pleased...and shocked. I think it turned out just how I had imagined it in my mind.
With that said, I don't think I'll be making pavlova anytime again in the future...
because, holy crapoli, was it sweet! Like, literally the sweetest thing I've ever eaten.
Sickeningly sweet. You couldn't even taste, much less appreciate, the whipped cream or fruit on top.
I don't know if I could use less sugar and that would make a difference...
like a whole lot less sugar. Maybe that would change the consistency or prevent the process of becoming meringue to take place...if that's even a thing. I don't know.
Either way, I finally made pavlova. It was a success in terms of baking. And I got to cross it off my list.
But W O W was it sweet!
Have you ever made a pavlova before? Do you find it works with only a teeny bit of sugar? Let me know if you have any suggestions or history with it yourself.
May your Independence Day be filled with fireworks, lots of yummy food and time spent with those you love...
♥