Pavlova volcano: A spectacular dessert recipe from illustrator Anne Spudvilas

Anne Spudvilas is an absolutely wonderful illustrator based in regional NSW whose rich, gorgeous work has adorned the books of many Australian authors, including myself. And today, with her permission, I'm presenting on this blog another rich and gorgeous work of hers, this time of an edible kind! It's the pavlova volcano, and it's absolutely spectacular!

This recipe brings back memories of two wonderful New Year's Eve celebrations on the Murray River when i first came here.   Julie Chambers, director of the Art Vault where i did two wonderful printmaking residencies,  makes this as the 'piece de resistance' at her long long New Year's Eve dinner table.

My version of Julie's specialty.  

Make three pavlovas. Home made are best and if they don't look too flash it doesn't matter.  Break them into large pieces and begin to construct your volcano using vanilla icecream and whipped cream to hold it all together. Add 4 punnets of assorted richly coloured berries.  Pour over two more punnets of assorted berries, pureed with 1/2 cup orange juice and 1 tbspn of liqueur added (i love Cointreau).   

Ah yes, a million calories but SO delicious :-)