5 large egg whites (150 grams), room temperature½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt½ teaspoon (1 gram) cream of tartar1 cup (200 grams) superfine sugar2½ teaspoons (7.5 grams) cornstarch½ teaspoon (2 grams) vanilla extractCoconut Rum Whipped Cream (recipe follows)Pineapple Curd (recipe follows)Garnish: maraschino cherries
Position oven rack in bottom third of oven. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Draw a 9-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper, and place upside down on a baking sheet.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar at medium speed until foamy. With mixer on high speed, slowly and gradually add sugar, beating until combined. Beat in cornstarch and vanilla. Increase mixer speed to high, and beat until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Spoon meringue into center of drawn circle on prepared pan. Using an offset spatula or a spoon, spread meringue to edges as desired, making a shallow indentation in center to create a bowl shape. Place in oven.
Immediately reduce oven temperature to 250°F (130°C). Bake until exterior is completely set and does not feel sticky, about 1 hour and 50 minutes. (Be careful to open the oven as little as possible when checking.) Turn oven off, and leave Pavlova in oven with door closed until completely cool, at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
Carefully peel parchment paper off Pavlova; place on a serving plate. Top with Coconut Rum Whipped Cream and Pineapple Curd. Garnish with cherries, if desired. Serve immediately.