Eton Mess
Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that combines crushed meringue, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s light, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. The dessert is traditionally made with strawberries, but you can substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus a few extra for garnish)
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 4-6 small meringues, crushed into bite-sized pieces
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and, if they aren’t sweet enough, sprinkle with a little granulated sugar. Set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form, being careful not to over-whip.
- Assemble the Eton Mess:
- In a large serving bowl or individual glasses, layer a portion of the whipped cream, followed by a handful of crushed meringues and a spoonful of strawberries.
- Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all ingredients, finishing with a few strawberries and a bit of crushed meringue on top.
- Serve Immediately:
- Eton Mess is best served fresh to keep the meringue slightly crisp.
Tips:
- Make-ahead options: Whip the cream and prep the strawberries in advance, but don’t assemble until just before serving to avoid soggy meringues.
- Flavor variations: Add other berries, a drizzle of berry sauce, or even a hint of balsamic vinegar to enhance the fruit flavor.
Enjoy this sweet, refreshing dessert!
