I'm not much of a tennis watcher, but I do like Wimbledon. It seems so civilised that there is still a tournament played on grass where the players have to wear white. I don't know how the connection between strawberries and cream and Wimbledon arose either, but as the strawberries are at their best right now it does seem fitting.
Eton Mess is strawberries and cream fancied up a bit. I took this one to a barbecue last weekend and I have to say it was magic - the perfect balance between cream, fruit and meringue - although when I put it together I was a bit anxious because it looked like an awful lot of fruit and meringue to a very little cream.
Very good English soft fruit was quite heavily discounted last week, so this was even moderately economical, which was nice just before payday!
Eton Mess (to serve 8 or more)
500g strawberries, halved or quartered
400g raspberries
1tsp rosewater
2tbs sugar
400ml double cream
1tbs sugar (extra)
1tsp vanilla bean paste
8 meringue nests
Crystallised rose petals (optional)
Put the strawberries and raspberries in a bowl, sprinkle with the rosewater and sugar and allow to macerate in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Drain the fruit, reserving the juices that have oozed from them, and place the fruit in a serving dish. Combine the reserved juices, vanilla bean paste and extra sugar with the cream and whip to soft peaks. Spread the cream over the fruit.
Crumble the meringue nests over the cream.
Just before serving, fold it all together and garnish with the crystallised rose petals (if using). At this point it isn't pretty but it really is delicious and much less anxiety-inducing than a pavlova.
Very good English soft fruit was quite heavily discounted last week, so this was even moderately economical, which was nice just before payday!
Eton Mess (to serve 8 or more)
500g strawberries, halved or quartered
400g raspberries
1tsp rosewater
2tbs sugar
400ml double cream
1tbs sugar (extra)
1tsp vanilla bean paste
8 meringue nests
Crystallised rose petals (optional)
Put the strawberries and raspberries in a bowl, sprinkle with the rosewater and sugar and allow to macerate in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Drain the fruit, reserving the juices that have oozed from them, and place the fruit in a serving dish. Combine the reserved juices, vanilla bean paste and extra sugar with the cream and whip to soft peaks. Spread the cream over the fruit.
Crumble the meringue nests over the cream.
Just before serving, fold it all together and garnish with the crystallised rose petals (if using). At this point it isn't pretty but it really is delicious and much less anxiety-inducing than a pavlova.
16 comments:
I need to try making (and eating) Eton mess. It sounds so good.
Your Eton mess looks so gorgeous! And I love lots of meringues there.
That looks delicious - love the idea of leaving it layered until you need it, it's difficult to present eton mess well! Like the idea of adding rosewater to the strawberries too.
It's hard to make Eton Mess pretty, but it is so delicious. Very much like your edition of rosewater, will have to try that next time. And the crystallised rose petals notch it up to another level I reckon!
Esi - if you like pavlova you will love it!
Angie - thank you!
C - it certainly makes it more transportable.
Choclette - I love strawberry and rosewater. They work so well together!
I had never heard of this before: what a great idea for a party dessert.
Like C, I love the idea of layering it and mixing at the last moment. It looks so elegant before mixing, and gives people a chance to see things at their best!
Mmm... what I wouldn't give for a big bowl of this right now. Love the layers and your candies rose petals and rosewater. ;-)
It's like ice cream with smashed Maltesers (from Jamie Oliver as far as I can remember) that the simple, homely desserts can be the best. Yum.
Simona - it's a traditional English dessert, you don't seem to see it anywhere else!
Suelle - I won't do it any other way now.
Deb - thanks!
So pretty - I've always wanted to make this, but the opportunity has never presented itself. Will have to wait for summer and just make my own opportunity.
What a way to watch the tennis with a big bowl of strawberries and cream! Perfect!
Cranky - I have never had icecream with smashed maltesers! But violet crumbles are good.
Laura - surely in one of your whanau gatherings you could do it? It's great for a party!
Adrian - thanks! I was sorry Rafa lost though.
I've always wanted to try Eton Mess...it looks so classy...yet, relaxed. And yeah, I don't watch much tennis throughout the year, but I love sitting down to watch Wimbledon. Go figure.
looks irresistably hearty..
first time here..love your space..
very interesting posts with excellent clicks..
Am your happy subscriber now..:)
do stop by mine sometime..
Tasty Appetite
Heather - you've got to do it (kids like it too).
Jay - thanks for visiting!
Post a Comment