Eton Mess
Purists would insist Eton mess should only contain strawberries, but other British summer berries like raspberries, red and rose currants and even cherries have a touch more sharpness which pairs perfectly with the sweet meringue and rich cream. These homemade meringues are a doddle, but you can also buy them which turns this dessert into a 10-minute-pudding.
Ingredients
Always check ingredient packaging for allergens and dietary suitability. Any nutrition or dietary labels are estimates and not a substitute for professional advice.
Method
HOMEMADE MERINGUES: (for the Mess, skip to part 4) Preheat oven to 110C/100C Fan/Gas ¼. Line a baking sheet with baking paper (non-stick).
Beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl with an electric whisk, until stiff peaks form. Then whisk the caster sugar in gradually. You want the mixture to be thick, thick and glossy. Next, whisk in the vanilla.
Form 5 dollops of meringue on the prepared baking sheet. Bake on the lowest shelf of your oven for an hour. Let them cool!
THE MESS: blend 150g/5½oz of the strawberries with ½ tablespoon of icing sugar. You want a smooth consistency, a purée. Halve/Quarter the remaining strawberries.
Whisk the double cream and remaining 1½ tablespoon of icing sugar together until -soft- peaks form.
Time to bring it all together, by destroying it. Crumble 4 of the meringues, and add them to the cream along with the remaining berries. Next, stir in the strawberry purée gently, to make swirls in the cream. Spoon this into 5 bowls/glasses, and then C R U S H that final meringue and sprinkle it over the top. 💪