Despite the fact that I have been actively boycotting winter by eating spring foods, and wearing sundresses and sandals, the chilly season lives on. It snowed today, so I have decided it kick it up a notch. Tonight, I made Pavlova - have you tried it?

It's light, beautiful, and delicious, and it's a perfect dessert for a beautiful spring day. I can only hope that this will be enough of a push for the snow to melt and the flowers to grow.

Mini Pavlovas

8 tbsp egg whites (or 4 egg whites) warmed (put in a small bowl placed in a larger bowl with hot water for 3-4 minutes)
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 scant cup sugar
1 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup whipping cream, whipped, or 1 package dream whip, prepared

Preheat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat warmed egg whites, salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon every 5 seconds, and beat until stiff peaks form. On 2 cookie sheets lined with parchment, make miniature nest shapes with meringue using about a 1/2 cup at a time.

Bake for 1 hour, and cool on pan. Top with cream and berries.