There's not many things on which Australians and New Zealanders
disagree. Even less on which we might come to blows.
Other than the rugby pitch (their turf), or the cricket field
(our turf, just), or the netball court (an even split), we consider
each other as nations to be more than just neighbours. We're
family. Even if that does mean we get lumped with Russell
Crowe!
Indeed if there were one matter on which a Trans-Tasman brouhaha
might emerge, then is has nothing to do with sport, and everything
to do with ballerinas. Well, one ballerina in particular, and she's
not even alive to mediate.
Anna Pavlova.
As the prima ballerina assoluta of the Imperial Russian
Ballet, she toured Australia and New Zealand several times in the
1920's and 1930's. That a meringue dessert was confected in her
honour is not in question. The billowing white pillow upon which
cream and fruit would rest was intended to channel the tutu she
wore while dancing her signature piece - The Dying Swan.
But as for who created it, well, in that matter there is less
concord. The idea of a baked meringue with fruit and cream has
existed in French and Italian cuisine since the 18th
century. But as a homage to Pavlova? Well…….
New Zealand food and cultural historians claim that during her
1926 tour to Wellington the dessert was presented to the ballerina
to celebrate her performance the previous evening. There may be
some truth to claim, but no written evidence in the form of
contemporary recipes, newspaper reports, or even a menu card has
ever been found.
A later tour in 1934 brought the ballet to Perth where chef Bert
Sachse presented the dessert to Pavlova at the Esplanade Hotel.
There are menus, Sachse's recipe, and even a charming photo of the
chef and his concoction that appeared in The West Australian
newspaper.
So as to the dish's provenance? Neither Australians nor New
Zealanders can rightly claim to have invented the dish - its
history predates European arrival here. But in its modern conceit,
as the reference to Pavlova's tutu?
In that specific matter, only Australia has the evidence
required to make a rightful claim.
So, sorry bro's. You can have the Bledisloe, but the pav's
staying with us!
Go to Fast Ed's Pavlova Roll with Summer Fruit
recipe.
See all of
Fast Ed's recipes.
This article kindly provided by Fast Ed.
It first appeared in The Manly Daily.