The Pavola

Or pav, as we aussies lovingly call it. Sweet, crispy meringue shell, pillowy centre, whipped cream and fruit piled on top. It’s like eating a delicious cloud.

Screams 80s and 90s family BBQs. Solid Aussie Christmas favourite. Named after a Russian Ballerina and may or may not have been invented in New Zealand (debate still rages on.. I’m team NZ. I’m pretty sure it’s just another Russell Crowe situation...).

For all of the PAV connoisseurs among us, you may notice there’s no kiwi fruit to be found. Well, there’s a reason....

It’s just weird.

Kiwis and whipped cream aren’t meant to be friends. They’ll tolerate each other… like at a dinner party at opposite ends of the table when there’s lots of wine on offer, but that’s as far as it goes. Not snuggled up and getting all handsy on a pav. Controversial? Perhaps.

Strawberries? That’s a given. Passionfruit? Also a given.

Berry coulis? Now you’re getting fancy.

Even a rose water pistachio number if you’re feeling extra.

100 years (ish) of the humble PAV and still going strong.