Hi there, this is my first attempt at a post. I will confess straight up that I am a consultant based in Melbourne
The issue of meringue does seem to cause some angst. I only received some advice from our senior consultant here in Melbourne yesterday. In her recipe she says egg white (4 @ room temp) should be beaten for 3 mins and 30 seconds on speed 4 with the butterfly inserted. She maintains the success is dependent on "following the instructions exactly & not going off halfway through the process". I haven't made the meringue this way myself.........
Am (hopefully) attaching her "Pavlova with Raspberry Cream" recipe
As a dog & cat doctor, you are a more than convincing "foodie" - sounds like you are having a wonderful time.............