Eton Mess with Strawberries and Meringue

This delightful dessert combines the crispy, airy texture of meringue with fresh strawberries and creamy whipped cream for a burst of flavor that is both light and indulgent. Originating as a simple way to use up broken meringue and leftover strawberries, it has evolved into a beloved classic. The process involves baking the perfect meringue, which is crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and pairing it with the tart sweetness of strawberries. The whipped cream binds everything together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. This dessert is great for any occasion—be it a fancy dinner party or a casual afternoon treat. Ideal for warm summer days, it showcases the bounty of the strawberry season. With a little preparation, you'll have an elegant dessert that looks lovely in a glass bowl or individual cups. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and tart, providing a satisfying end to any meal. Let's explore this simple yet exquisite dessert in detail.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 egg whites
120 g sugar
400 g strawberries
400 ml heavy cream
1 tsp powdered sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat your oven to 120 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a clean bowl, begin whisking the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk.
Keep beating the mixture until it becomes thick and glossy, forming stiff peaks.
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into circles.
Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes. They are done when they are dry and can easily peel off the parchment paper.
Once baked, remove the meringues from the oven and let them cool completely. This will take around 15 minutes.
While the meringues are cooling, prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and slicing them into medium-sized pieces. Reserve some whole strawberries for garnish.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Once your meringue is cooled, gently crush it into smaller pieces.
Begin assembling the dessert: start with a base layer of meringue pieces in a large bowl or individual serving glasses.
Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the meringue, smoothing it out evenly.
Follow with a layer of chopped strawberries, spreading them out to cover the whipped cream.
Repeat the layers, beginning with more meringue, then whipped cream, and finishing with strawberries.
For the finishing touch, decorate with whole strawberries and mint leaves, if desired.
Refrigerate for about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Alternatively, serve immediately if you prefer a contrast between the cold cream and room-temperature meringue.
For added flavor, consider drizzling with strawberry sauce or balsamic glaze before serving.
Serve chilled and enjoy this mix of textures and flavors.

Tips

Ensure your mixing bowl is clean and dry to get the best meringue consistency.
If fresh strawberries are not available, use frozen ones after thawing.
Add a touch of vanilla extract to the cream for extra flavor.
For a twist, incorporate different berries like raspberries or blueberries.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 4 g
Fats: 20 g
Carbs: 40 g

Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a lighter version.
Substitute berries with mango or passion fruit for a tropical twist.
Add chocolate shavings or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a large glass bowl for a beautiful presentation.
Pair with a glass of champagne or a light dessert wine.
Garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Best Places

The Wolseley - Elegant café known for British classics. Location: 160 Piccadilly, London, UK.
Sketch - Quirky and artistically designed, offering a unique dining experience. Location: 9 Conduit St, London, UK.
Café de Flore - Iconic Parisian café with a vibrant atmosphere. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Historic and elegant pastry shop. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, Milan, Italy.
Café Central - A classic Viennese café known for its stunning interior. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Antico Caffè Greco - Rome's oldest café with traditional charm. Location: Via dei Condotti, 86, Rome, Italy.
Hotel Sacher - Luxurious setting for the famous Sacher-Torte and more. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
Tartine Bakery - Renowned for fresh pastries and creative desserts. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Café Demel - Features traditional Austrian cakes and coffee. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Angelina Paris - Famous for its hot chocolate and French pastries. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.