Amanda Back, the Eagles Abroad marketing intern, writes:

I love food. No, really, no words can describe how much I love cooking, baking, and of course, the fun part, eating. So when I travel, there is no better way for me to experience a culture than by immersing myself in all of their delicious delicacies.

One of Amanda’s recent pavlovas

Luckily for me, when I studied on the New Zealand and Sydney Sustainable Business program  during J-term 2013, I experienced some excellent food. I stuffed myself with countless lamb entrees, for which New Zealand is known. I indulged in a mouth-watering pork belly burger from Fergburger, which is a must visit restaurant in Queenstown. (A former intern even said he “renounced his American burger citizenship within the first few bites” at Fergburger.) I ate endless amounts of Crunchie candy bars and hokey pokey ice cream and, last, but not least, I was treated to the most delicious dessert: pavlova.

During my homestay, my family served us a tasty supper that included this dessert called pavlova. I was in shock at how delicious this fresh, light dessert was. I had never experienced any other food like it in the States. It was airy, sweet, topped with fresh whipped cream, and covered in berries. Of course we had to ask more about the pavlova because my classmates and I  were literally drooling over this dessert. My homestay family explained that pavlova is a popular dessert in both New Zealand and Australia. My homestay mom said it is actually very common to serve pavlovas for holidays and birthdays and to cover them with either candy or fruit.

When I arrived home at the end of January, I was pretty sad that I was no longer in New Zealand or Australia. I wanted to go back more than anything. Then one super cold, snowy day I decided I could have a taste of my wonderful adventures through New Zealand and Australia. I could make a pavlova.

So I whipped out my baking supplies and purchased fresh fruit and made my new favorite dessert for my family and friends: the pavlova. It is not only one of my favorite desserts, but it is now a common request at all my family gatherings. I made pavlova because I was missing New Zealand, but now I make pavlova because it is a part of my family traditions. You too can make your own pavlova by visiting a previous blog “The Fact Files: Pavlova recipe to make your mouth water.” Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed in this delightful dessert.