Cooking can be fun. And when I feel like it, I'm happy to work away in my kitchen all day cooking something special. Like when I made some choc mint cupcakes that took several hours to prepare. And like when I design new cupcake decorations.

But often I am in too much of a hurry and need something quick and easy, thus why I cook so many Crock Pot Meals.

Well this recipe is fast and easy and you can make it right now. It's neither a Crock Pot Recipe nor a Cupcake Recipe. It is a Pavalova Recipe.

Those of you who know what a Pavalova is, will think I've gone stark raving mad because a Pavalova recipe typically takes almost two hours of long, slow cooking. Well now we have the 3 minute version.

For those unlucky souls who have not had a Pavalova before, let us tell you it is devine. Traditionally it is a large round dessert with a meringue type shell and a soft marshmallow type inside. Once cooked and cooled it is decorated with fresh whipped cream and fruit.

This delicious sweet desert was first cooked in either Australia or New Zealand (let's not start that argument) to commemorate a visit from a Russian ballet dancer called Anna Pavalova, in the 1920's.

Anyway, this microwave recipe results in the sweet marshmallow type of flat round that you cover in cream and fruit and then roll up.

It looks fabulous and tastes great.

Neil and I made it the other night and it is so quick and easy.

Give it a try as we are sure you will add it to your list of recipes.

Fast Pavalova Roll
¼ cup hazelnut meal or cinnamon sugar or crushed nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon white vinegar
4 egg
¾ cup of superfine (castor) sugar

Firstly you need to take some baking paper and shape it to fit in your microwave. We took the glass tray out of our microwave and made it on it. But you don't have to. Just make sure it is going to fit.

Ok, now cover the baking paper with a layer of your nuts. We used hazelnut meal because that is what we had in the pantry.

Put this aside.

Separate the eggs - we will only need the egg whites.

Using an electric beater, whip the eggs until light and fluffy. Now add the sugar, vinegar and vanilla. Whip until firm peaks form. This will take a few minutes and when you mix it, it should retain it's shape.

Once it is firm you can now spoon the mixture onto our nut covered baking paper.

Plop the mixture into linking blobs all over the paper and then with the back of your spoon, smooth it out best you can. Be gentle so as to not disturb the nuts too much. I does not have to be perfect but just roughly smooth.

Just about done. Now put in the Microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. It should look light and fluffy and feel like soft marshmallow.

Open the door to stop condensation forming and allow your pavalova to cool.

When ready whip up some cream. Spread this all over the pav and then lightly cover with the fruit of your choice. We like to use a mix of berries or strawberries and passionfruit.

Roll up into a roll. Because it looks so good, serve and cut it at the table. We always serve with extra fruit and cream or some ice cream would be good.

This quick dessert recipe will serve about 8 slices which is enough for 8 (or 4 greedy people).

Enjoy!

Lisa "The Crock Cook"