Jean’s Kitchen – By Jean Doherty
“Eton Mess” pays tribute not only to the place where it was invented, Eton College (which is one of Britain’s most famous public schools, whose alumni includes 18 Prime Minister’s of Great Britain), but also to the fact that the cream, strawberries and broken meringue are all mixed together in one big bowl that looks, really, like a bit of a mess.
This is a very simple dessert that needs to be assembled just before serving so the pieces of meringue stay nice and crisp. Luckily, though, there are only three ingredients involved and most of the prep work can be done in advance. For starters, the meringue can be store bought or, if you prefer making your own as I do, then they can be made several days beforehand. Next, the cream can be whipped several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, and the strawberries can be cut and sweetened about an hour in advance.
You can use as much meringue as you like in Eton Mess, you are the chef.
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• ¼ lb raspberries
• fresh mint to garnish
• 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar, or to taste
In a large mixing bowl place the whipping cream, vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir to combine. Cover and chill the bowl and wire whisk in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When chilled, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. If not using right away, cover and place in the fridge.
Place about one third of the strawberries in your food processor and process until just pureed. Cut the rest of the strawberries into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl along with the pureed strawberries. Sprinkle some white sugar over the strawberries and stir to combine. Taste. Break the meringue into bite size pieces. Then fold the “mess” and meringue into the whipped cream. Place in long stemmed glasses. Top with a whole strawberry, and a few raspberries and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately.
Jean Doherty is the Chef and Owner of Le Patio Restaurant in Wilton Manors (954) 530-4641
