Spiced Pavlova With Pumpkin Mousse

Preparation

1. For the meringue:

   Step 1

   Preheat oven to 275°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk cornstarch and sea salt in a small bowl, breaking up any lumps. Mix ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and 1 Tbsp. cinnamon in another small bowl.

   Step 2

   Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl until soft, opaque peaks form, about 3 minutes. You should see tracks from the whisk on the surface of the whites.

   Step 3

   Add superfine sugar slowly, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating to incorporate fully before adding the next, 5–8 minutes total. Continue to beat on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 1 minute more. Test to see if sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a small amount between your fingertips. If it feels gritty, keep beating until dissolved.

   Step 4

   Sprinkle cornstarch mixture over egg whites and fold in gently with a spatula. Sift spices over mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and fold in gently.

   Step 5

   Using a large spoon, divide meringue into 8 even mounds on prepared baking sheets. Using the back of the spoon, make a small well in the center of each meringue. Using fine-mesh strainer, lightly dust with remaining 1 tsp. cinnamon.

   Step 6

   Bake 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 250°F. Continue to bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until outsides are dry and a very pale cream color, 50–60 minutes. Turn oven off and leave door slightly ajar (prop open with a kitchen towel or hot pad) with meringues inside, letting them cool completely, at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

2. For the pumpkin mousse:

   Step 7

   Gently whisk egg whites and granulated sugar in a medium bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water until hot to the touch or a candy thermometer registers 140°F.

   Step 8

   Pour hot egg white mixture into stand mixer bowl and whip with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until doubled in volume and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.

   Step 9

   Whisk pumpkin purée, kosher salt, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Whisk one-third of beaten egg whites into pumpkin mixture to lighten. Gently whisk in remaining whites.

3. For the pomegranate syrup:

   Step 10

   Heat pomegranate juice, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium-high until sugar is dissolved and juice is simmering. Reduce heat to low and simmer until syrupy and liquid is reduced by half, about 25 minutes.

4. For assembly:

   Step 11

   Divide meringues among plates, then top each with a dollop of pumpkin mousse and whipped cream. Top with pomegranate syrup, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate seeds.

5. Do Ahead

   Step 12

   Pumpkin mousse can be made 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Pomegranate syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead; cover and chill.