Eton Mess

A traditional English dessert thought to be passed down from the prestigious halls of Eton College. Delicious, incredibly easy way to make the most out of fresh summer strawberries. Store bought meringues make this even easier if you are tight on time. And don't worry about the exact measurements for the berries and cream. See... easy, right?

This recipe serves 6

approx time: 4 hrs, or 15 mins if using store bought meringues.

Meringue Ingredients:

3 large egg whites at room temperature

1 pinch of salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup icing sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients: 1 pint of fresh strawberries 1 tbsp sugar 2 cups whipping cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Preheat oven to 200º and place rack on lower level. To make the meringues, whip egg whites and salt in bowl with electric mixer until foamy and soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Then, while mixer is running, add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue whisking on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, meringue is glossy and completely smooth, and the sugar is fully dissolved. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract. Stop the mixer and add the powdered sugar. Fold gently by hand until combined and smooth.

Spoon mounds of meringue onto a parchment lined baking sheet, about 2.5-inch in diameter. These don’t spread, so you can place them quite close to each other. Place in the lower part of the oven and bake for 3 hours, or until the meringues are dry, their centre isn’t sticky, and they are easily lifted from the parchment paper. Don't worry if they break apart while checking as you will be breaking them up for the dessert later. Let cool on a rack.

Meringue will keep for 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

Meanwhile, hull strawberries and cut in half. Add the sugar and mix berries. Let sit for at least an hour to macerate. In a large bowl, add whipping cream and vanilla. Whip until soft peaks form.

Break meringue into bite sized pieces. Assemble the Eton Mess into a glass trifle bowl or individual glass jars a layer at a time starting with whipped cream. Then add strawberries, then add meringue. Continue the layering process. Don't worry if it turns out to be a bit of a mess, that's how the boys of Eton liked it!

Cheers! xx