Muscovado Sugar Meringues with Vanilla Mascarpone and Strawberries

Preheat the oven to 120°C. 

Place the egg whites in a bowl and beat until foamy and starting to stiffen. Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Keep beating for at least five more minutes, until the meringue is stiff and glossy. 

Add the cornflour, the seeds from the vanilla pod, and the cinnamon and beat for a further minute or two, until combined.

Place heaped spoonfuls of the mixture on a lined baking tray. Pile each one quite high. Use the back of the spoon to make an indent in the top of each meringue. This will provide a base for the cream and strawberries.

Place in the oven and bake for 90 minutes without opening the door. Turn the oven off and allow to cool for a further hour before removing. Set aside to cool. Store meringues in an airtight container until ready to use.

Topping: Combine the mascarpone, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir well.

To serve: Place a generous spoonful of mascarpone on top of each meringue. Place fresh strawberries on top and serve. Makes approximately 10 meringues.