My mom traveled back for a visit a few months ago, bringing with her a delicious treat from New Zealand -- Pavlova Magic. It's a powdered mix in an egg-shaped container. You whip it up, bake it, and enjoy! This stuff is meringue extraordinaire! Crispy like baked meringue on the outside, soft and spongy like angel food cake on the inside.
If you really want to taste one, you can. You can buy one on Amazon, but it will cost you a hefty $24 once you pay for shipping! Not exactly a bargain for those of us... Up Over? What is the opposite of "Down Under," anyway?
Regardless, what we discovered is that once you've enjoyed your Magic, you can re-use it! With a wooden ring (too big to be a choking hazard) secured inside, it can take on a new life as a baby toy.
Thanks for the Pavlova and the idea, Mom!
By the way, I am told by my New Zealand contacts that the Pavlova originated in New Zealand. Apparently Australia has some delusions about taking credit for it...