June 12, 2025
😋 🍓An Interesting Dessert - The Slow Life Stories - Bedtime Stories for Adults - Calming Stories for Grownups and All Ages
Welcome to The Slow Life - A village filled with cozy stories for everyone. This story is called An Interesting Dessert, and it’s about a picnic lunch, sleeping on a cloud, and accomplishing something together.
🇨🇦 These stories are written, edited and narrated by Jennifer Zwicker.
~~~~
Benefits of listening to cozy stories or adult bedtime stories with The Slow Life:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief
• You want to unwind after a stressful day.
• The gentle pacing, soothing tone, and comforting narratives help calm your mind and body.
2. Help Falling Asleep
• Many people use bedtime stories as a sleep aid. We’ve been told ours help.
• A calming story distracts from anxious or racing thoughts, making it easier to drift off. Especially with a second reading as we have, because you already know what happens.
3. Comfort and Nostalgia
• You’re looking for the emotional safety and warmth that often comes with familiar or gently imaginative stories.
• Cozy stories can evoke fond childhood memories or a sense of being cared for.
4. Escape and Imagination
• A peaceful story can provide a gentle escape from reality without overstimulation.
• Listeners enjoy being transported to a calm village, a peaceful garden, or a quaint and cozy inn.
5. Mindfulness and Presence
• The slow, descriptive nature of cozy storytelling encourages a mindful focus on the present.
• It can be a form of meditative listening, grounding you, the listener, in sensory details and slow pacing.
6. Companionship and Connection
• Perhaps, for people who live alone or feel lonely, a narrator’s voice can feel like friendly company.
• It’s a quiet, non-demanding form of social presence.
🧡 Bedtime stories for grown ups
🧡 Bedtime stories for kids
🧡 Meditation story
An Interesting Dessert is a story about making something special with someone special for a picnic in the park with friends. There is beauty, there is comfort. It may help put you to sleep. Calming stories to help you sleep. Relieve anxiety.
⚠️ Take care listening while driving or doing any activity that requires your full attention.
- All stories - Copyright Jennifer Zwicker 2024, 2025
1
00:00:02,040 --> 00:00:07,650
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,660 --> 00:00:12,840
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,850 --> 00:00:17,560
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,570 --> 00:00:22,080
reading.
This story is called An
5
00:00:22,090 --> 00:00:28,440
Interesting Dessert, and it's
about a picnic lunch, sleeping
6
00:00:28,450 --> 00:00:32,759
on a cloud and accomplishing
something together.
7
00:00:36,150 --> 00:00:41,460
Plans with friends had been made
weeks ago for us to meet in the
8
00:00:41,470 --> 00:00:46,840
park for a picnic.
We'll each contribute some food
9
00:00:46,850 --> 00:00:52,330
and drink and I promised to
provide an interesting dessert,
10
00:00:53,790 --> 00:00:59,040
not knowing at that point what I
would make or buy to take along.
11
00:00:59,350 --> 00:01:04,800
I'd mentioned this to my niece.
Without hesitation, she
12
00:01:04,810 --> 00:01:11,370
suggested that I make Pavlova.
I slowly nodded, knowing that
13
00:01:11,380 --> 00:01:15,930
I'd heard of this dessert but
had no idea what it actually
14
00:01:15,940 --> 00:01:19,900
was.
When I asked my niece, she
15
00:01:19,910 --> 00:01:25,100
admitted that she also had never
had it, had never seen it that
16
00:01:25,110 --> 00:01:29,470
she knew of, nor did she know
what Pavlova was.
17
00:01:30,720 --> 00:01:34,290
Hmm.
Well, I'd promise to show up
18
00:01:34,300 --> 00:01:39,310
with something interesting and
out of the ordinary, so Pavlova
19
00:01:39,380 --> 00:01:43,720
it is.
She offered to pitch in, and we
20
00:01:43,730 --> 00:01:48,320
agreed that we would make enough
of whatever it was for her to
21
00:01:48,330 --> 00:01:53,930
have some for herself.
As we prepared to research what
22
00:01:53,940 --> 00:01:58,710
we were in for, one of us
commented that it sounded like a
23
00:01:58,720 --> 00:02:04,300
form of dance.
This amused us even more when we
24
00:02:04,310 --> 00:02:10,340
found out that this particular
treat was in fact named after a
25
00:02:10,350 --> 00:02:14,560
ballerina.
We weren't so far off in our
26
00:02:14,570 --> 00:02:19,100
thinking, nor were we
disappointed when we saw the
27
00:02:19,110 --> 00:02:24,120
first images of it online.
Pavlova.
28
00:02:24,390 --> 00:02:29,730
It looked fluffy, although it
said crispy on the outside,
29
00:02:29,850 --> 00:02:35,220
which also sounded wonderful.
It looked sweet, just the
30
00:02:35,230 --> 00:02:39,020
flavour we wanted.
It looked completely out of the
31
00:02:39,030 --> 00:02:43,100
ordinary, more like a decoration
than a food.
32
00:02:43,270 --> 00:02:48,920
And it looked completely lovely,
exactly the masterpiece.
33
00:02:48,930 --> 00:02:54,520
I want to present tomorrow on
the day of our picnic, not
34
00:02:54,530 --> 00:02:57,520
wanting to leave it until the
morning of.
35
00:02:57,630 --> 00:03:02,160
My niece and I will make the
meringue part of the Pavlova to
36
00:03:02,170 --> 00:03:06,350
day.
The recipes said this would also
37
00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:10,910
help it to become a bit more
crisp, which is part of its
38
00:03:10,920 --> 00:03:14,670
charm.
Tomorrow we'll add the cream
39
00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:18,340
filling and the fruit topping.
To finish it off.
40
00:03:19,710 --> 00:03:24,540
We've made two of the meringue
bases that look like clouds.
41
00:03:25,070 --> 00:03:29,260
The second one will be our
tester, which neither of us will
42
00:03:29,270 --> 00:03:34,560
mind doing for the cause.
If it's a flop, I will still
43
00:03:34,570 --> 00:03:38,820
have time before the picnic to
visit the bakery for one of
44
00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:43,590
their treats instead, but so
far, so good.
45
00:03:44,960 --> 00:03:50,550
The meringues surfaced as a
subtle mat Sheen of ivory or
46
00:03:50,560 --> 00:03:55,900
eggshell white.
The odor shell has fine cracks,
47
00:03:56,150 --> 00:04:00,280
which is just like the photo we
have and is a sign of its
48
00:04:00,290 --> 00:04:05,540
crispness that is ideal
contrasting with the soft and
49
00:04:05,550 --> 00:04:10,350
chewy centre.
Once they cool off in the oven,
50
00:04:10,500 --> 00:04:16,050
we use our Test 1 to poke out a
bit and the centre has also
51
00:04:16,060 --> 00:04:21,240
turned out just as we'd hoped,
soft like marshmallows.
52
00:04:22,430 --> 00:04:26,700
We agree that she'll come back
over in the morning to help with
53
00:04:26,710 --> 00:04:29,400
the cream and putting them all
together.
54
00:04:30,690 --> 00:04:36,380
Not surprisingly, I dream of
floating on clouds and wake up
55
00:04:36,390 --> 00:04:41,620
with a soft smile, giving my
pillow a squeeze and a sniff
56
00:04:41,670 --> 00:04:47,160
just to check.
My niece arrives after breakfast
57
00:04:47,230 --> 00:04:52,440
and after a tea and a chat we
take the meringue bases out of
58
00:04:52,450 --> 00:04:57,800
the well sealed containers.
They've stayed crisp and are
59
00:04:57,810 --> 00:05:01,980
shaped like a nest that will
cradle the cream filling.
60
00:05:02,290 --> 00:05:07,040
And then we'll host the vibrant
fruit that will sit on top of
61
00:05:07,050 --> 00:05:11,360
the fluffy cloud.
She takes a turn whipping the
62
00:05:11,370 --> 00:05:15,000
fresh cream until its pillowy
and light.
63
00:05:16,290 --> 00:05:20,940
Together we fill the nests of
meringue, spreading it like
64
00:05:20,950 --> 00:05:26,260
icing back and forth and in
figure skates, taking much
65
00:05:26,270 --> 00:05:31,540
longer than we need to as we
enjoy the motion of the task.
66
00:05:31,610 --> 00:05:37,070
Without saying a word, the
generous amount of cream settles
67
00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:40,740
in beautifully just shy of the
edges.
68
00:05:42,170 --> 00:05:47,640
Then comes the decoration, A
colourful medley of fresh fruit.
69
00:05:48,500 --> 00:05:52,820
We've chosen a classic
combination of Ruby red
70
00:05:52,830 --> 00:05:59,070
strawberries, vibrant green Kiwi
slices and the deepest coloured
71
00:05:59,080 --> 00:06:03,970
blueberries.
The fruit glistens juicy and
72
00:06:03,980 --> 00:06:09,790
bright as we spoon it on top of
each dessert, adding bursts of
73
00:06:09,800 --> 00:06:14,170
colour and freshness that will
balance the sweetness of the
74
00:06:14,180 --> 00:06:18,940
meringue.
Finishing up, we stand shoulder
75
00:06:18,950 --> 00:06:24,020
to shoulder like 2 proud parents
watching their baby sleep
76
00:06:24,030 --> 00:06:28,810
soundly.
We've done it altogether.
77
00:06:28,820 --> 00:06:33,490
A Pavlova looks like a
celebration in dessert form.
78
00:06:33,920 --> 00:06:37,800
Elegant and festive, delicate
and airy.
79
00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:43,310
We've placed them each Shanna
Cakes stand as something this
80
00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:47,250
visually stunning deserves to be
on a pedestal.
81
00:06:48,610 --> 00:06:52,000
I'm going to wait until the
picnic to try it.
82
00:06:52,280 --> 00:06:56,760
But she selflessly offers to
make sure it tastes as it
83
00:06:56,770 --> 00:07:00,920
should.
Slicing into it reveals the
84
00:07:00,930 --> 00:07:05,180
layers.
Crisp, soft, creamy.
85
00:07:05,590 --> 00:07:10,150
A beautiful creation that we're
pleased has turned out so well.
86
00:07:11,310 --> 00:07:16,140
I've given her a fancy dessert
bowl and a dainty spoon to
87
00:07:16,150 --> 00:07:20,660
honour the time we put in to
making it and the beauty that it
88
00:07:20,670 --> 00:07:25,670
turned out to be.
Just as patience was needed to
89
00:07:25,680 --> 00:07:30,490
create what she's about to
taste, she also takes her time
90
00:07:30,500 --> 00:07:34,860
with this step.
I can hear the bit of crunch
91
00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:38,380
that is the spoon breaking in to
the outer shell.
92
00:07:39,710 --> 00:07:44,980
It goes quiet as it reaches the
marshmallow like centre and the
93
00:07:44,990 --> 00:07:49,940
colourful juice from the fruit
seeps a little into the cream
94
00:07:50,170 --> 00:07:56,860
for the perfect mix of flavours.
As she takes the first bite, I
95
00:07:56,870 --> 00:08:02,100
gather from her closed eyes and
the smile that begins to form
96
00:08:02,310 --> 00:08:05,760
that we've accomplished
something wonderful together.
97
00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:13,270
She opens her eyes and nods,
subtly raising her index finger
98
00:08:13,320 --> 00:08:18,810
to signal me to give her a few
more seconds to let it sink in,
99
00:08:19,280 --> 00:08:22,850
or maybe to recover from the
place she just went.
100
00:08:24,130 --> 00:08:28,640
I don't need to ask her if it
turned out well enough to serve
101
00:08:28,650 --> 00:08:33,559
to my friends at the picnic.
Her reaction gave me the answer.
102
00:08:34,770 --> 00:08:39,140
I pull out a stool for her to
sit and finish her piece of
103
00:08:39,150 --> 00:08:44,059
Pavlova at the kitchen island
while I pack the rest of my
104
00:08:44,070 --> 00:08:49,620
things for the park.
I invite her to come along, but
105
00:08:49,630 --> 00:08:54,190
she already has plans for lunch.
Laughing that she started
106
00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:59,530
backwards with dessert, she
lifts the cover off the cake
107
00:08:59,540 --> 00:09:03,020
stand of the one we've already
cut into.
108
00:09:03,610 --> 00:09:08,060
With eyebrows raised, she looks
at me and tilts her head.
109
00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:21,900
OK, just one taste.
An interesting dessert Plans
110
00:09:21,910 --> 00:09:27,200
with friends had been made weeks
ago for us to meet in the park
111
00:09:27,270 --> 00:09:32,030
for a picnic.
Will each contribute some food
112
00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:37,500
and drink and I promised to
provide an interesting dessert,
113
00:09:38,980 --> 00:09:44,230
not knowing at that point what I
would make or buy to take along.
114
00:09:44,540 --> 00:09:49,980
I'd mentioned this to my niece.
Without hesitation, she
115
00:09:49,990 --> 00:09:56,560
suggested that I make Pavlova.
I slowly nodded, knowing that
116
00:09:56,570 --> 00:10:01,120
I'd heard of this dessert but
had no idea what it actually
117
00:10:01,130 --> 00:10:05,080
was.
When I asked my niece, she
118
00:10:05,090 --> 00:10:10,280
admitted that she also had never
had it, had never seen it that
119
00:10:10,290 --> 00:10:14,640
she knew of, nor did she know
what Pavlova was.
120
00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:19,470
Hmm.
Well, I'd promise to show up
121
00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:24,490
with something interesting and
out of the ordinary, so Pavlova
122
00:10:24,560 --> 00:10:28,910
it is.
She offered to pitch in, and we
123
00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:33,510
agreed that we would make enough
of whatever it was for her to
124
00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:39,120
have some for herself.
As we prepared to research what
125
00:10:39,130 --> 00:10:43,900
we were in for, one of us
commented that it sounded like a
126
00:10:43,910 --> 00:10:49,480
form of dance.
This amused us even more when we
127
00:10:49,490 --> 00:10:55,520
found out that this particular
treat was in fact named after a
128
00:10:55,530 --> 00:10:59,740
ballerina.
We weren't so far off in our
129
00:10:59,750 --> 00:11:04,290
thinking, nor were we
disappointed when we saw the
130
00:11:04,300 --> 00:11:09,300
first images of it online.
Pavlova.
131
00:11:09,580 --> 00:11:14,900
It looked fluffy, although it
said crispy on the outside,
132
00:11:15,030 --> 00:11:20,910
which also sounded wonderful.
It looked sweet, just the flavor
133
00:11:20,920 --> 00:11:24,210
we wanted.
It looked completely out of the
134
00:11:24,220 --> 00:11:28,290
ordinary, more like a decoration
than a food.
135
00:11:28,450 --> 00:11:34,100
And it looked completely lovely,
exactly the masterpiece.
136
00:11:34,110 --> 00:11:39,710
I want to present tomorrow on
the day of our picnic, not
137
00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:42,710
wanting to leave it until the
morning of.
138
00:11:42,820 --> 00:11:47,110
My niece and I will make the
meringue part of the Pavlova
139
00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:51,550
today.
The recipes said this would also
140
00:11:51,560 --> 00:11:56,090
help it to become a bit more
crisp, which is part of its
141
00:11:56,100 --> 00:11:59,850
charm.
Tomorrow we'll add the cream
142
00:11:59,860 --> 00:12:03,530
filling and the fruit topping.
To finish it off.
143
00:12:04,890 --> 00:12:09,720
We've made two of the meringue
bases that look like clouds.
144
00:12:10,250 --> 00:12:14,440
The second one will be our
tester, which neither of us will
145
00:12:14,450 --> 00:12:19,740
mind doing for the cause.
If it's a flop, I will still
146
00:12:19,750 --> 00:12:24,010
have time before the picnic to
visit the bakery for one of
147
00:12:24,020 --> 00:12:28,780
their treats instead, but so
far, so good.
148
00:12:30,140 --> 00:12:35,730
The meringues surfaced as a
subtle mat Sheen of ivory or
149
00:12:35,740 --> 00:12:41,070
eggshell white.
The odor shell has fine cracks,
150
00:12:41,320 --> 00:12:45,470
which is just like the photo we
have and is a sign of its
151
00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:50,730
crispness that is ideal
contrasting with the soft and
152
00:12:50,740 --> 00:12:55,530
chewy centre.
Once they cool off in the oven,
153
00:12:55,680 --> 00:13:01,230
we use our Test 1 to poke out a
bit and the centre has also
154
00:13:01,240 --> 00:13:06,420
turned out just as we'd hoped,
soft like marshmallows.
155
00:13:07,610 --> 00:13:11,880
We agree that she'll come back
over in the morning to help with
156
00:13:11,890 --> 00:13:14,580
the cream and putting them all
together.
157
00:13:15,870 --> 00:13:21,570
Not surprisingly, I dream of
floating on clouds and wake up
158
00:13:21,580 --> 00:13:26,810
with a soft smile, giving my
pillow a squeeze and a sniff
159
00:13:26,850 --> 00:13:32,340
just to check.
My niece arrives after breakfast
160
00:13:32,430 --> 00:13:37,620
and after a tea and a chat we
take the meringue bases out of
161
00:13:37,630 --> 00:13:42,980
the well sealed containers.
They've stayed crisp and are
162
00:13:42,990 --> 00:13:47,160
shaped like a nest that will
cradle the cream filling.
163
00:13:47,470 --> 00:13:52,220
And then we'll host the vibrant
fruit that will sit on top of
164
00:13:52,230 --> 00:13:56,560
the fluffy cloud.
She takes a turn whipping the
165
00:13:56,570 --> 00:14:00,180
fresh cream until its pillowy
and light.
166
00:14:01,490 --> 00:14:06,120
Together we fill the nests of
meringue, spreading it like
167
00:14:06,130 --> 00:14:11,460
icing back and forth and in
figure skates, taking much
168
00:14:11,470 --> 00:14:16,740
longer than we need to as we
enjoy the motion of the task.
169
00:14:16,790 --> 00:14:22,250
Without saying a word, the
generous amount of cream settles
170
00:14:22,260 --> 00:14:25,920
in beautifully just shy of the
edges.
171
00:14:27,350 --> 00:14:32,820
Then comes the decoration, A
colourful medley of fresh fruit.
172
00:14:33,670 --> 00:14:38,000
We've chosen a classic
combination of Ruby red
173
00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:44,250
strawberries, vibrant green Kiwi
slices and the deepest coloured
174
00:14:44,260 --> 00:14:49,160
blueberries.
The fruit glistens juicy and
175
00:14:49,170 --> 00:14:54,960
bright as we spoon it on top of
each dessert, adding bursts of
176
00:14:54,970 --> 00:14:59,360
colour and freshness that will
balance the sweetness of the
177
00:14:59,370 --> 00:15:04,130
meringue.
Finishing up, we stand shoulder
178
00:15:04,140 --> 00:15:09,220
to shoulder like 2 proud parents
watching their baby sleep
179
00:15:09,230 --> 00:15:14,000
soundly.
We've done it altogether.
180
00:15:14,010 --> 00:15:18,680
A Pavlova looks like a
celebration in dessert form.
181
00:15:19,090 --> 00:15:22,990
Elegant and festive, delicate
and airy.
182
00:15:24,160 --> 00:15:28,490
We've placed them each Shanna
Cakes stand as something this
183
00:15:28,500 --> 00:15:32,430
visually stunning deserves to be
on a pedestal.
184
00:15:33,790 --> 00:15:37,180
I'm going to wait until the
picnic to try it.
185
00:15:37,470 --> 00:15:41,940
But she selflessly offers to
make sure it tastes as it
186
00:15:41,950 --> 00:15:46,100
should.
Slicing into it reveals the
187
00:15:46,110 --> 00:15:50,360
layers.
Crisp, soft, creamy.
188
00:15:50,770 --> 00:15:55,330
A beautiful creation that we're
pleased has turned out so well.
189
00:15:56,510 --> 00:16:01,320
I've given her a fancy dessert
bowl and a dainty spoon to
190
00:16:01,330 --> 00:16:05,840
honour the time we put in to
making it and the beauty that it
191
00:16:05,850 --> 00:16:10,850
turned out to be.
Just as patience was needed to
192
00:16:10,860 --> 00:16:15,670
create what she's about to
taste, she also takes her time
193
00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:20,040
with this step.
I can hear the bit of crunch
194
00:16:20,100 --> 00:16:23,560
that is the spoon breaking in to
the outer shell.
195
00:16:24,900 --> 00:16:30,170
It goes quiet as it reaches the
marshmallow like centre and the
196
00:16:30,180 --> 00:16:35,110
colourful juice from the fruit
seeps a little into the cream
197
00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:42,050
for the perfect mix of flavours.
As she takes the first bite, I
198
00:16:42,060 --> 00:16:47,290
gather from her closed eyes and
the smile that begins to form
199
00:16:47,500 --> 00:16:50,940
that we've accomplished
something wonderful together.
200
00:16:52,330 --> 00:16:58,460
She opens her eyes and nods,
subtly raising her index finger
201
00:16:58,510 --> 00:17:04,000
to signal me to give her a few
more seconds to let it sink in,
202
00:17:04,450 --> 00:17:08,040
or maybe to recover from the
place she just went.
203
00:17:09,319 --> 00:17:13,819
I don't need to ask her if it
turned out well enough to serve
204
00:17:13,829 --> 00:17:18,740
to my friends at the picnic.
Her reaction gave me the answer.
205
00:17:19,960 --> 00:17:24,329
I pull out a stool for her to
sit and finish her piece of
206
00:17:24,339 --> 00:17:29,250
Pavlova at the kitchen island
while I pack the rest of my
207
00:17:29,260 --> 00:17:34,810
things for the park.
I invite her to come along, but
208
00:17:34,820 --> 00:17:39,370
she already has plans for lunch.
Laughing that she started
209
00:17:39,380 --> 00:17:44,710
backwards with dessert, she
lifts the cover off the cake
210
00:17:44,720 --> 00:17:48,210
stand of the one we've already
cut into.
211
00:17:48,800 --> 00:17:53,240
With eyebrows raised, she looks
at me and tilts her head.
212
00:17:54,190 --> 00:18:01,440
OK, just one taste.
I wish you sweet dreams.
00:00:02,040 --> 00:00:07,650
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,660 --> 00:00:12,840
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,850 --> 00:00:17,560
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,570 --> 00:00:22,080
reading.
This story is called An
5
00:00:22,090 --> 00:00:28,440
Interesting Dessert, and it's
about a picnic lunch, sleeping
6
00:00:28,450 --> 00:00:32,759
on a cloud and accomplishing
something together.
7
00:00:36,150 --> 00:00:41,460
Plans with friends had been made
weeks ago for us to meet in the
8
00:00:41,470 --> 00:00:46,840
park for a picnic.
We'll each contribute some food
9
00:00:46,850 --> 00:00:52,330
and drink and I promised to
provide an interesting dessert,
10
00:00:53,790 --> 00:00:59,040
not knowing at that point what I
would make or buy to take along.
11
00:00:59,350 --> 00:01:04,800
I'd mentioned this to my niece.
Without hesitation, she
12
00:01:04,810 --> 00:01:11,370
suggested that I make Pavlova.
I slowly nodded, knowing that
13
00:01:11,380 --> 00:01:15,930
I'd heard of this dessert but
had no idea what it actually
14
00:01:15,940 --> 00:01:19,900
was.
When I asked my niece, she
15
00:01:19,910 --> 00:01:25,100
admitted that she also had never
had it, had never seen it that
16
00:01:25,110 --> 00:01:29,470
she knew of, nor did she know
what Pavlova was.
17
00:01:30,720 --> 00:01:34,290
Hmm.
Well, I'd promise to show up
18
00:01:34,300 --> 00:01:39,310
with something interesting and
out of the ordinary, so Pavlova
19
00:01:39,380 --> 00:01:43,720
it is.
She offered to pitch in, and we
20
00:01:43,730 --> 00:01:48,320
agreed that we would make enough
of whatever it was for her to
21
00:01:48,330 --> 00:01:53,930
have some for herself.
As we prepared to research what
22
00:01:53,940 --> 00:01:58,710
we were in for, one of us
commented that it sounded like a
23
00:01:58,720 --> 00:02:04,300
form of dance.
This amused us even more when we
24
00:02:04,310 --> 00:02:10,340
found out that this particular
treat was in fact named after a
25
00:02:10,350 --> 00:02:14,560
ballerina.
We weren't so far off in our
26
00:02:14,570 --> 00:02:19,100
thinking, nor were we
disappointed when we saw the
27
00:02:19,110 --> 00:02:24,120
first images of it online.
Pavlova.
28
00:02:24,390 --> 00:02:29,730
It looked fluffy, although it
said crispy on the outside,
29
00:02:29,850 --> 00:02:35,220
which also sounded wonderful.
It looked sweet, just the
30
00:02:35,230 --> 00:02:39,020
flavour we wanted.
It looked completely out of the
31
00:02:39,030 --> 00:02:43,100
ordinary, more like a decoration
than a food.
32
00:02:43,270 --> 00:02:48,920
And it looked completely lovely,
exactly the masterpiece.
33
00:02:48,930 --> 00:02:54,520
I want to present tomorrow on
the day of our picnic, not
34
00:02:54,530 --> 00:02:57,520
wanting to leave it until the
morning of.
35
00:02:57,630 --> 00:03:02,160
My niece and I will make the
meringue part of the Pavlova to
36
00:03:02,170 --> 00:03:06,350
day.
The recipes said this would also
37
00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:10,910
help it to become a bit more
crisp, which is part of its
38
00:03:10,920 --> 00:03:14,670
charm.
Tomorrow we'll add the cream
39
00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:18,340
filling and the fruit topping.
To finish it off.
40
00:03:19,710 --> 00:03:24,540
We've made two of the meringue
bases that look like clouds.
41
00:03:25,070 --> 00:03:29,260
The second one will be our
tester, which neither of us will
42
00:03:29,270 --> 00:03:34,560
mind doing for the cause.
If it's a flop, I will still
43
00:03:34,570 --> 00:03:38,820
have time before the picnic to
visit the bakery for one of
44
00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:43,590
their treats instead, but so
far, so good.
45
00:03:44,960 --> 00:03:50,550
The meringues surfaced as a
subtle mat Sheen of ivory or
46
00:03:50,560 --> 00:03:55,900
eggshell white.
The odor shell has fine cracks,
47
00:03:56,150 --> 00:04:00,280
which is just like the photo we
have and is a sign of its
48
00:04:00,290 --> 00:04:05,540
crispness that is ideal
contrasting with the soft and
49
00:04:05,550 --> 00:04:10,350
chewy centre.
Once they cool off in the oven,
50
00:04:10,500 --> 00:04:16,050
we use our Test 1 to poke out a
bit and the centre has also
51
00:04:16,060 --> 00:04:21,240
turned out just as we'd hoped,
soft like marshmallows.
52
00:04:22,430 --> 00:04:26,700
We agree that she'll come back
over in the morning to help with
53
00:04:26,710 --> 00:04:29,400
the cream and putting them all
together.
54
00:04:30,690 --> 00:04:36,380
Not surprisingly, I dream of
floating on clouds and wake up
55
00:04:36,390 --> 00:04:41,620
with a soft smile, giving my
pillow a squeeze and a sniff
56
00:04:41,670 --> 00:04:47,160
just to check.
My niece arrives after breakfast
57
00:04:47,230 --> 00:04:52,440
and after a tea and a chat we
take the meringue bases out of
58
00:04:52,450 --> 00:04:57,800
the well sealed containers.
They've stayed crisp and are
59
00:04:57,810 --> 00:05:01,980
shaped like a nest that will
cradle the cream filling.
60
00:05:02,290 --> 00:05:07,040
And then we'll host the vibrant
fruit that will sit on top of
61
00:05:07,050 --> 00:05:11,360
the fluffy cloud.
She takes a turn whipping the
62
00:05:11,370 --> 00:05:15,000
fresh cream until its pillowy
and light.
63
00:05:16,290 --> 00:05:20,940
Together we fill the nests of
meringue, spreading it like
64
00:05:20,950 --> 00:05:26,260
icing back and forth and in
figure skates, taking much
65
00:05:26,270 --> 00:05:31,540
longer than we need to as we
enjoy the motion of the task.
66
00:05:31,610 --> 00:05:37,070
Without saying a word, the
generous amount of cream settles
67
00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:40,740
in beautifully just shy of the
edges.
68
00:05:42,170 --> 00:05:47,640
Then comes the decoration, A
colourful medley of fresh fruit.
69
00:05:48,500 --> 00:05:52,820
We've chosen a classic
combination of Ruby red
70
00:05:52,830 --> 00:05:59,070
strawberries, vibrant green Kiwi
slices and the deepest coloured
71
00:05:59,080 --> 00:06:03,970
blueberries.
The fruit glistens juicy and
72
00:06:03,980 --> 00:06:09,790
bright as we spoon it on top of
each dessert, adding bursts of
73
00:06:09,800 --> 00:06:14,170
colour and freshness that will
balance the sweetness of the
74
00:06:14,180 --> 00:06:18,940
meringue.
Finishing up, we stand shoulder
75
00:06:18,950 --> 00:06:24,020
to shoulder like 2 proud parents
watching their baby sleep
76
00:06:24,030 --> 00:06:28,810
soundly.
We've done it altogether.
77
00:06:28,820 --> 00:06:33,490
A Pavlova looks like a
celebration in dessert form.
78
00:06:33,920 --> 00:06:37,800
Elegant and festive, delicate
and airy.
79
00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:43,310
We've placed them each Shanna
Cakes stand as something this
80
00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:47,250
visually stunning deserves to be
on a pedestal.
81
00:06:48,610 --> 00:06:52,000
I'm going to wait until the
picnic to try it.
82
00:06:52,280 --> 00:06:56,760
But she selflessly offers to
make sure it tastes as it
83
00:06:56,770 --> 00:07:00,920
should.
Slicing into it reveals the
84
00:07:00,930 --> 00:07:05,180
layers.
Crisp, soft, creamy.
85
00:07:05,590 --> 00:07:10,150
A beautiful creation that we're
pleased has turned out so well.
86
00:07:11,310 --> 00:07:16,140
I've given her a fancy dessert
bowl and a dainty spoon to
87
00:07:16,150 --> 00:07:20,660
honour the time we put in to
making it and the beauty that it
88
00:07:20,670 --> 00:07:25,670
turned out to be.
Just as patience was needed to
89
00:07:25,680 --> 00:07:30,490
create what she's about to
taste, she also takes her time
90
00:07:30,500 --> 00:07:34,860
with this step.
I can hear the bit of crunch
91
00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:38,380
that is the spoon breaking in to
the outer shell.
92
00:07:39,710 --> 00:07:44,980
It goes quiet as it reaches the
marshmallow like centre and the
93
00:07:44,990 --> 00:07:49,940
colourful juice from the fruit
seeps a little into the cream
94
00:07:50,170 --> 00:07:56,860
for the perfect mix of flavours.
As she takes the first bite, I
95
00:07:56,870 --> 00:08:02,100
gather from her closed eyes and
the smile that begins to form
96
00:08:02,310 --> 00:08:05,760
that we've accomplished
something wonderful together.
97
00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:13,270
She opens her eyes and nods,
subtly raising her index finger
98
00:08:13,320 --> 00:08:18,810
to signal me to give her a few
more seconds to let it sink in,
99
00:08:19,280 --> 00:08:22,850
or maybe to recover from the
place she just went.
100
00:08:24,130 --> 00:08:28,640
I don't need to ask her if it
turned out well enough to serve
101
00:08:28,650 --> 00:08:33,559
to my friends at the picnic.
Her reaction gave me the answer.
102
00:08:34,770 --> 00:08:39,140
I pull out a stool for her to
sit and finish her piece of
103
00:08:39,150 --> 00:08:44,059
Pavlova at the kitchen island
while I pack the rest of my
104
00:08:44,070 --> 00:08:49,620
things for the park.
I invite her to come along, but
105
00:08:49,630 --> 00:08:54,190
she already has plans for lunch.
Laughing that she started
106
00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:59,530
backwards with dessert, she
lifts the cover off the cake
107
00:08:59,540 --> 00:09:03,020
stand of the one we've already
cut into.
108
00:09:03,610 --> 00:09:08,060
With eyebrows raised, she looks
at me and tilts her head.
109
00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:21,900
OK, just one taste.
An interesting dessert Plans
110
00:09:21,910 --> 00:09:27,200
with friends had been made weeks
ago for us to meet in the park
111
00:09:27,270 --> 00:09:32,030
for a picnic.
Will each contribute some food
112
00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:37,500
and drink and I promised to
provide an interesting dessert,
113
00:09:38,980 --> 00:09:44,230
not knowing at that point what I
would make or buy to take along.
114
00:09:44,540 --> 00:09:49,980
I'd mentioned this to my niece.
Without hesitation, she
115
00:09:49,990 --> 00:09:56,560
suggested that I make Pavlova.
I slowly nodded, knowing that
116
00:09:56,570 --> 00:10:01,120
I'd heard of this dessert but
had no idea what it actually
117
00:10:01,130 --> 00:10:05,080
was.
When I asked my niece, she
118
00:10:05,090 --> 00:10:10,280
admitted that she also had never
had it, had never seen it that
119
00:10:10,290 --> 00:10:14,640
she knew of, nor did she know
what Pavlova was.
120
00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:19,470
Hmm.
Well, I'd promise to show up
121
00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:24,490
with something interesting and
out of the ordinary, so Pavlova
122
00:10:24,560 --> 00:10:28,910
it is.
She offered to pitch in, and we
123
00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:33,510
agreed that we would make enough
of whatever it was for her to
124
00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:39,120
have some for herself.
As we prepared to research what
125
00:10:39,130 --> 00:10:43,900
we were in for, one of us
commented that it sounded like a
126
00:10:43,910 --> 00:10:49,480
form of dance.
This amused us even more when we
127
00:10:49,490 --> 00:10:55,520
found out that this particular
treat was in fact named after a
128
00:10:55,530 --> 00:10:59,740
ballerina.
We weren't so far off in our
129
00:10:59,750 --> 00:11:04,290
thinking, nor were we
disappointed when we saw the
130
00:11:04,300 --> 00:11:09,300
first images of it online.
Pavlova.
131
00:11:09,580 --> 00:11:14,900
It looked fluffy, although it
said crispy on the outside,
132
00:11:15,030 --> 00:11:20,910
which also sounded wonderful.
It looked sweet, just the flavor
133
00:11:20,920 --> 00:11:24,210
we wanted.
It looked completely out of the
134
00:11:24,220 --> 00:11:28,290
ordinary, more like a decoration
than a food.
135
00:11:28,450 --> 00:11:34,100
And it looked completely lovely,
exactly the masterpiece.
136
00:11:34,110 --> 00:11:39,710
I want to present tomorrow on
the day of our picnic, not
137
00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:42,710
wanting to leave it until the
morning of.
138
00:11:42,820 --> 00:11:47,110
My niece and I will make the
meringue part of the Pavlova
139
00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:51,550
today.
The recipes said this would also
140
00:11:51,560 --> 00:11:56,090
help it to become a bit more
crisp, which is part of its
141
00:11:56,100 --> 00:11:59,850
charm.
Tomorrow we'll add the cream
142
00:11:59,860 --> 00:12:03,530
filling and the fruit topping.
To finish it off.
143
00:12:04,890 --> 00:12:09,720
We've made two of the meringue
bases that look like clouds.
144
00:12:10,250 --> 00:12:14,440
The second one will be our
tester, which neither of us will
145
00:12:14,450 --> 00:12:19,740
mind doing for the cause.
If it's a flop, I will still
146
00:12:19,750 --> 00:12:24,010
have time before the picnic to
visit the bakery for one of
147
00:12:24,020 --> 00:12:28,780
their treats instead, but so
far, so good.
148
00:12:30,140 --> 00:12:35,730
The meringues surfaced as a
subtle mat Sheen of ivory or
149
00:12:35,740 --> 00:12:41,070
eggshell white.
The odor shell has fine cracks,
150
00:12:41,320 --> 00:12:45,470
which is just like the photo we
have and is a sign of its
151
00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:50,730
crispness that is ideal
contrasting with the soft and
152
00:12:50,740 --> 00:12:55,530
chewy centre.
Once they cool off in the oven,
153
00:12:55,680 --> 00:13:01,230
we use our Test 1 to poke out a
bit and the centre has also
154
00:13:01,240 --> 00:13:06,420
turned out just as we'd hoped,
soft like marshmallows.
155
00:13:07,610 --> 00:13:11,880
We agree that she'll come back
over in the morning to help with
156
00:13:11,890 --> 00:13:14,580
the cream and putting them all
together.
157
00:13:15,870 --> 00:13:21,570
Not surprisingly, I dream of
floating on clouds and wake up
158
00:13:21,580 --> 00:13:26,810
with a soft smile, giving my
pillow a squeeze and a sniff
159
00:13:26,850 --> 00:13:32,340
just to check.
My niece arrives after breakfast
160
00:13:32,430 --> 00:13:37,620
and after a tea and a chat we
take the meringue bases out of
161
00:13:37,630 --> 00:13:42,980
the well sealed containers.
They've stayed crisp and are
162
00:13:42,990 --> 00:13:47,160
shaped like a nest that will
cradle the cream filling.
163
00:13:47,470 --> 00:13:52,220
And then we'll host the vibrant
fruit that will sit on top of
164
00:13:52,230 --> 00:13:56,560
the fluffy cloud.
She takes a turn whipping the
165
00:13:56,570 --> 00:14:00,180
fresh cream until its pillowy
and light.
166
00:14:01,490 --> 00:14:06,120
Together we fill the nests of
meringue, spreading it like
167
00:14:06,130 --> 00:14:11,460
icing back and forth and in
figure skates, taking much
168
00:14:11,470 --> 00:14:16,740
longer than we need to as we
enjoy the motion of the task.
169
00:14:16,790 --> 00:14:22,250
Without saying a word, the
generous amount of cream settles
170
00:14:22,260 --> 00:14:25,920
in beautifully just shy of the
edges.
171
00:14:27,350 --> 00:14:32,820
Then comes the decoration, A
colourful medley of fresh fruit.
172
00:14:33,670 --> 00:14:38,000
We've chosen a classic
combination of Ruby red
173
00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:44,250
strawberries, vibrant green Kiwi
slices and the deepest coloured
174
00:14:44,260 --> 00:14:49,160
blueberries.
The fruit glistens juicy and
175
00:14:49,170 --> 00:14:54,960
bright as we spoon it on top of
each dessert, adding bursts of
176
00:14:54,970 --> 00:14:59,360
colour and freshness that will
balance the sweetness of the
177
00:14:59,370 --> 00:15:04,130
meringue.
Finishing up, we stand shoulder
178
00:15:04,140 --> 00:15:09,220
to shoulder like 2 proud parents
watching their baby sleep
179
00:15:09,230 --> 00:15:14,000
soundly.
We've done it altogether.
180
00:15:14,010 --> 00:15:18,680
A Pavlova looks like a
celebration in dessert form.
181
00:15:19,090 --> 00:15:22,990
Elegant and festive, delicate
and airy.
182
00:15:24,160 --> 00:15:28,490
We've placed them each Shanna
Cakes stand as something this
183
00:15:28,500 --> 00:15:32,430
visually stunning deserves to be
on a pedestal.
184
00:15:33,790 --> 00:15:37,180
I'm going to wait until the
picnic to try it.
185
00:15:37,470 --> 00:15:41,940
But she selflessly offers to
make sure it tastes as it
186
00:15:41,950 --> 00:15:46,100
should.
Slicing into it reveals the
187
00:15:46,110 --> 00:15:50,360
layers.
Crisp, soft, creamy.
188
00:15:50,770 --> 00:15:55,330
A beautiful creation that we're
pleased has turned out so well.
189
00:15:56,510 --> 00:16:01,320
I've given her a fancy dessert
bowl and a dainty spoon to
190
00:16:01,330 --> 00:16:05,840
honour the time we put in to
making it and the beauty that it
191
00:16:05,850 --> 00:16:10,850
turned out to be.
Just as patience was needed to
192
00:16:10,860 --> 00:16:15,670
create what she's about to
taste, she also takes her time
193
00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:20,040
with this step.
I can hear the bit of crunch
194
00:16:20,100 --> 00:16:23,560
that is the spoon breaking in to
the outer shell.
195
00:16:24,900 --> 00:16:30,170
It goes quiet as it reaches the
marshmallow like centre and the
196
00:16:30,180 --> 00:16:35,110
colourful juice from the fruit
seeps a little into the cream
197
00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:42,050
for the perfect mix of flavours.
As she takes the first bite, I
198
00:16:42,060 --> 00:16:47,290
gather from her closed eyes and
the smile that begins to form
199
00:16:47,500 --> 00:16:50,940
that we've accomplished
something wonderful together.
200
00:16:52,330 --> 00:16:58,460
She opens her eyes and nods,
subtly raising her index finger
201
00:16:58,510 --> 00:17:04,000
to signal me to give her a few
more seconds to let it sink in,
202
00:17:04,450 --> 00:17:08,040
or maybe to recover from the
place she just went.
203
00:17:09,319 --> 00:17:13,819
I don't need to ask her if it
turned out well enough to serve
204
00:17:13,829 --> 00:17:18,740
to my friends at the picnic.
Her reaction gave me the answer.
205
00:17:19,960 --> 00:17:24,329
I pull out a stool for her to
sit and finish her piece of
206
00:17:24,339 --> 00:17:29,250
Pavlova at the kitchen island
while I pack the rest of my
207
00:17:29,260 --> 00:17:34,810
things for the park.
I invite her to come along, but
208
00:17:34,820 --> 00:17:39,370
she already has plans for lunch.
Laughing that she started
209
00:17:39,380 --> 00:17:44,710
backwards with dessert, she
lifts the cover off the cake
210
00:17:44,720 --> 00:17:48,210
stand of the one we've already
cut into.
211
00:17:48,800 --> 00:17:53,240
With eyebrows raised, she looks
at me and tilts her head.
212
00:17:54,190 --> 00:18:01,440
OK, just one taste.
I wish you sweet dreams.
