The Pavlova Song

9 May, 2012

The Pavlova Song

Classic Hits creates New Zealand Music History with the “Pavlova Song” Challenge this New Zealand Music Month!

Inspired by Kiwi painter Dick Frizzell's iconic pavlova recipe painting, Classic Hits host and bestselling author of 'Kiwi Speak' Justin Brown, figured the best way to celebrate New Zealand Music Month would be to find an iconic Kiwi artist to put the pavlova recipe into a song.

“I'm a hopeless cook,” says Brown. “but I reckon if the pavlova recipe was in a pop song, I'd have good reason to remember it. Then maybe I could make the dish and not just eat it!”

Said iconic artist, Jordan Luck, took up Brown’s challenge and this week whipped up a song about our nation’s most celebrated dessert, the “Pavlova Song” which was revealed this morning on Classic Hits’ Breakfast shows nationwide.

Luck’s inspiration for the song is explained by his version of events:

"As you all know the Pav originates from Taihape. In 1921 Anna Pavlova, on tour with the Russian ballet, showed the Dagg household a better way to use the egg whites that young Trev had decided to have a distinct aversion to. I chose this song from one of Mrs Bayliss's cookbooks (c.1968) and we certainly had a laugh when we read about Chinese Gooseberries. Have fun and let the Pav Songs whisk on."

With the standard set high, Classic Hits has issued an open invitation to all Kiwis to create their own version of the “Pavlova Song”. The best entry, as voted by Classic Hits listeners, will receive $5,000 cash. Entries are open to established and amateur bands, solo artists, schools, individuals…. anyone wanting to create their own version of the “Pavlova Song”. The rules for the “Pavlova Song” song are simple: as long as the lyrics include the word “Pavlova” and its ingredients, the entry is valid. Audio and video entries accepted and there are no genre restrictions.

Classic Hits will accept entries for bands or individuals via www.classichits.co.nz until 5:00pm on Friday 18 May. Public voting commences 21 May through to 30 May with the winner announced on Classic Hits at 8am on Thursday 31st May on all breakfast shows around the country.

'How surreal would it be standing in the kitchen and singing a recipe!' says Brown. 'We've got to make this song before the Australians steal the idea, just like they did with our favourite dish.''

Full information including the recipe can be found at www.classichits.co.nz.

Lyrics (ingredients)
• 4 egg whites
• 1 ½ cups sugar, castor (fine ground)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions (not essential)
• Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 F).
• Beat egg whites and caster sugar for 10 - 15 minutes or until thick and glossy.
• Mix vinegar, vanilla and cornstarch together in a small bowl, then add to the meringue. Beat on high for five more minutes
• Line an oven tray with baking paper. Draw a 22cm circle on the baking paper. Spread the pavlova to within 2cm (1 inch) of the edge of the circle, keeping the shape as round and even as possible.
• Smooth top surface. Place pavlova in preheated oven then immediately turn the temperature down to 100 deg C (210 F). Bake pavlova for 1 hour.
• Turn off oven. Open oven door slightly and leave pavlova to cool. Decorate with whipped cream, fresh berries.

In brief:

• The Classic Hits “Pavlova Song” challenge in celebration of NZ Music Month
• Entries open now and close 5pm Friday 18 May
• Public voting Monday 21 – Wednesday 30 May
• Winner announced 8am Thursday 31st May
• Full information on the competition, terms and conditions of entry and Jordan Luck’s Pavlova Song can all be found at www.classichits.co.nz

ENDS

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