Hello!

Blank screen syndrome...Where to start, what to write...My first post on my first blog. Pressure. Should I appear witty, start with a famous quote, will people read this? Why did I think this was a good idea?!
The truth is, I'm not very computer literate, I don't want this blog to take over my life, I don't have the time for that! (At least I've written something now, the blank,white text box seems less scary!)

About me. I'm 24. I live in a small village in Cornwall with my partner; Steve, my 6 (nearly 7) year old son; Rupert, Henry the cat and Buddy the dog. I work as a teaching assistant at a primary school, I'm studying for a degree in teaching and I'm also planning for our wedding next year. So, loads of time for a blog!

The truth is, I've always liked the idea of keeping a diary but never actually stuck at it. However, as part of my degree I have to keep a reflective journal. This hasn't been going very well. I'm not really sure how I should be keeping it, or what I should be writing in it....Hence the blog. This seemed fun. I liked the idea that somebody somewhere may read this and that would be the motivation to continue writing. Help and tips greatly received!

This blog will be, as the title states, about life,laughs,love and learning. Maybe not always daily, but near enough! The name 'iheartpav' came about as Rupert's most favourite thing in the world, (alongside James Bond and lego!) is Aunty Celia's Pavlova. It therefore seems fitting to include my most loved pavlova recipe, courtesy of Nigella Lawson.

You will need:

(For the meringue base)
8 egg whites
500g caster sugar
4tsp cornflour
2tsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

(For the topping)

650ml/1 pint double cream
plenty of fruit of your choice!

1. Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 4
2. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and roughly draw a 25cm circle onto it with non-toxic pencil.
3. Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed.
4. Whisk in sugar, 1 tbsp at a time until stiff peaks form when whisk is removed.
5. Sprinkle cornflour, vinegar and vanilla over the egg white and fold lightly with a metal spoon.
6. Spoon meringue mix onto baking parchment within circle. Flatten top and smooth sides.
7. Pop in oven. Reduce temp to 120C/Gas 1/2. Cook for 1 hour, turn off oven and leave to cool.
8. Once cool, remove meringue and place onto plate or stand. Remove baking parchment.
9. For the topping, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Spoon onto meringue spreading right to the edges.
10. Top with chosen fruit and dive in!

Enjoy the pav! Thanks for reading my first post! I shall return!xxx