This dish is probably as British as it gets in terms of desserts. It's so simple and perfect for summer, especially since strawberries are in season and at their best. I personally think making the meringues from scratch is ideal, just because they remain slightly softer that the store bought meringue nests, so soak up the juices from the berries better. I personally tend to make meringues whenever I make lemon curds or anything egg yolk heavy - it means I don't have to waste the egg whites, and get a sweet treat out of it.
The below will make around 4-5 eton messes (questionable plural).
Ingredients
Meringue Kisses
3 egg whites
150gr granulated sugar
1/2tsp apple cider vinegar
1tsp cornstarch
Food colouring (optional)
Macerated Berries
Whipped cream
Method
1. Making the meringues. In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites into soft peaks. Add the granulated sugar in thirds, whisking well in between until the sugar is dissolved. This can be checked by rubbing a small amount of the egg whites between your fingers. If still grainy, keep whisking until glossy stiff peaks form. Add the apple cider vinegar and cornstarch and whisk until incorporated.
2. Preheat the oven to 120 degrees celsius. Line a baking sheet with baking paper (essential) and prepare a piping bag with a star tip. If using food colouring, use a toothpick to run 2 lines along the inside of the piping bag at opposing ends. Fill the piping bag with the meringue and pipe dollops onto the baking sheet, leaving around 1-2cm in between each meringue kiss. Also pipe very small ones for decorating the Eton Mess. Place in the oven for around 30-40 minutes, or until dry to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
3. Prepping the berries. Cut up the strawberries into small cubes and mix with the blueberries. Add in the sugar and mix until the berries are coated in sugar. Set aside.
4. Making the whipped cream. Whip the double cream until soft peaks form. Add in the vanilla and sugar and whip until you reach stiff peaks.
5. Assembling the Eton Mess. In a small bowl lay down a few meringue kisses. Add a few dollops of cream, a handful of berries, and a small dollop of cream on top. Sprinkle some of the mini meringue kisses on top and serve.
Recreating this recipe? Tag me on instagram @juliawgr!
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