Tropical Fruit Pavlova

1. Prepare Mango Cream. In a medium bowl, let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Draw eight 3-inch circles on the paper or foil (or draw one 8-inch circle on the paper or foil); set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. For meringue shell: Add cream of tartar to egg whites. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).

3. Using a pastry bag, pipe the meringue onto the small circles on the paper, building up the sides to form shells or use the back of a spoon to spread the meringue over the circles, building up the sides. (Or for the 8-inch circle, spoon egg white mixture into center of the circle on prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a large spoon, spread mixture to edge of the circle. Build up the edge slightly to form a shell.)

4. Bake for 35 minutes for the 3-inch shells or for 40 minutes for the 8-inch shell. Turn off the oven. Let shell(s) dry in oven, with door closed, for 1 hour. Cool completely on a wire rack. Carefully transfer shell(s) to a serving plate.

5. To serve, spread Mango Cream over meringue shell(s). Top with fruit. Cut large shell into wedges. Makes 8 servings.

Mango Cream
For yogurt cheese: Line a yogurt strainer, sieve, or a small colander with three layers of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth or a clean paper coffee filter. Suspend lined strainer, sieve, or colander over a large bowl. Spoon 2-1/2 cups plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt* into the strainer, sieve, or colander. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator. Discard liquid. In a blender or food processor, place 1 cup cut-up, seeded, peeled fresh mango. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Transfer pureed mango to a medium bowl. Stir in the yogurt cheese, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel. Cover and chill for up to 3 days. Makes about 2 cups.

Test Kitchen Tip
B Be sure to use a brand of yogurt that contains no gums, gelatin, or fillers. These ingredients may prevent the whey from separating from the curd to make yogurt cheese.