A festive Pavlova Bar
An all-time favourite Christmas dessert for so many Australian families, including my own, is a pavlova.
In 2008 we spent six months in London for my husband’s work. We were living in Clerkenwell, which was just a hop, skip and jump away from Ottolenghi in Islington. I would make a weekly visit for a hot chocolate and admire the tiers of beautiful meringues on display. When friends and family came to visit from Australia, the very first place I would take them to was Ottolenghi - the meringues literally stole my heart.
For Christmas this year I have decided to take a bit of inspiration from my beloved Ottolenghi and create a Pavlova Bar, with tiers of teeny tiny mini pastel meringues, glasses of delicious Bulla Cream and Mousse, chocolates and fresh berries. What I love about this style of dessert table is that everything can be made well ahead, giving you time to relax and enjoy the festivities with your guests. Plus, the little ones are sure to LOVE creating their very own dessert at the Pavlova Bar.
Romina from @In_a_world_of_cake made the sweet little meringues for my Pavlova Bar and Astrid @paperplayground created the gorgeous signage from her Forest Fury range.
The plates and pink scallop boxes were from Alex @rubyrabbitparty.
The cute ‘Fa La La’ Christmas Card was from @dangerandmoon and the gift boxes, ribbon and red & white stripe cups were from @Hipp_au.
All the creams were from @bullafamilydairy, of course.
Bulla Dairy Foods (www.bulla.com.au) is one of Australia’s oldest family owned dairy companies, proudly making dairy products in country Australia for six generations. The Bulla range has been made with care by three families since 1910 and I am very proud to collaborate with the Bulla team.
A Pavlova Bar really is a perfect dessert option/idea to share with friends and family of all ages over the festive season. I used two Bulla products for my Pavlova Bar, the Bulla Dollop Cream, which has been created especially for dolloping, and Bulla Whipping Cream, a cream that whips in just 90 seconds and holds its shape longer once whipped.
Bulla creams are the perfect ingredient to make Christmas desserts that extra bit special and were absolutely ideal for my Pavlova Bar.
The Pavlova Bar Menu
Berrylova
A twist on a classic with a sweet pink meringue, Bulla Whipped Cream and fresh berries
Triple Choclova
Chocolate meringue with Bulla chocolate mousse, drizzled with Bulla chocolate fudge sauce and topped with chocolate flakes
Mintlova
Green swirl Meringue topped with Bulla mint cream, crushed mint chocolates and drizzled with Bulla chocolate fudge sauce
Here are the recipes for the Bulla creams and sauces that I served on my Pavlova Bar.
Bulla Mint Cream
Ingredients
300ml Bulla Dollop Cream
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed mint chocolate
Method
Combine cream, peppermint extract and crushed mint chocolate. Mix well and store in fridge until time to serve.
Classic Whipped Cream
Ingredients
300ml Bulla Whipping Cream
1 teaspoon icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Combine all ingredients and use an electric mixer to beat until soft peaks form.
Bulla Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
200g dark chocolate, melted
300ml Bulla Whipping Cream
3 eggs, separated
Method
1. Place the egg whites in a bowl and beat on high until light and fluffy. Add the Bulla Whipping Cream and continue to beat for another minute or so.
2. Add the melted chocolate and egg yolks and stir until well combined. Refridgerate until set.
Chocolate Fudge Sauce
(Recipe by my friend Alex O'Shaughnessy who has been making this delicious sauce for years!)
Ingredients
200g dark chocolate
300ml Bulla Dollop Cream
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Method
1. Place all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high until the chocolate has melted. For best results, stir every 30 seconds to ensure it doesn't burn.)
2. Remove from microwave, stir, and serve immediately, or store in the fridge until it is time to serve. (The sauce can be reheated in the microwave.)
Top left - Bulla Mint Cream Top right - Bulla Chocolate Fudge Sauce
Bottom left - Bulla Chocolate Mousse Bottom Right: Bulla Classic Whipped Cream
Wishing you and your family a very SWEET and happy Christmas!
Xx Emily
Pavlova Bar credits:
Photographer: Mandy Couzens instagram.com/mandycouzens www.mandycouzens.com
All creams + sauces: Bulla Dairy Foods
Styling + Concept: The Party Bebe
Meringues: In A World of Cake. Romina's meringues + chocolates are now available exclusively at Son of Tucci Cafe in Melbourne- www.instagram.com/in_a_world_of_cake.
Paperie: Paper Playground instagram.com/paperplayground www.facebook.com/paperplayground
Pink plates and scallop boxes: Ruby Rabbit instagram.com/rubyrabbitparty www.rubyrabbit.com.au
Christmas Cards: Danger and Moon instagram.com/dangerandmoon www.dangerandmoon.com
Gift boxes, packaging and striped cups: hiPP instagram.com/hipp_au www.hipp.com.au
