Eton Mess with Strawberries and Cream
Ingredients:
- 300g (10.5 oz) fresh strawberries
- 300ml (1 1/4 cups) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg whites
- 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
Introduction:
Step into the delightful and whimsical world of Eton Mess, a quintessentially British dessert that combines the simplicity of fresh strawberries, crisp meringue, and rich cream. Its origins are believed to trace back to the esteemed Eton College, where this mouth-watering treat turned formal affairs into joyful occasions. Join us as we explore how to make this timeless dessert, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and joy to any gathering.
Kitchen Equipment Required:
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Serving Glasses or Bowls
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meringue
Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until stiff, glossy peaks appear, and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in small rounds. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour until the meringues are crisp and dry on the outside. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside to attain a perfect texture, around 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
While the meringues cool, rinse the strawberries and hull them. Chop half of the strawberries into quarters. Keep the others whole for garnishing or additional texture in the dessert if desired.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip.
Step 4: Assemble the Eton Mess
Break the cooled meringues into bite-sized pieces. In serving glasses or bowls, layer the whipped cream, broken meringue, and chopped strawberries. Repeat until the ingredients have been used, finishing with a flourish of whole strawberries on top.
Step 5: Serve
Chill the assembled Eton Mess in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the dessert’s freshness and taste.
Conclusion:
You’ve now mastered the art of creating Eton Mess, a dessert that embodies the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The sweet-tartness of strawberries melded with the crisp meringue and the luxuriousness of cream offers a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and delightfully uncomplicated. Serve this at your next gathering or enjoy it as a cozy treat with loved ones, and relish in the joy it brings to every mouthful.
