Skip to main content

Eton Mess

4.3

(5)

This dessert is simple and delicious, especially when made with very ripe strawberries and thick Devonshire cream.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 3 hr

Cooks' note:

• Meringues can be made 1 week ahead, wrapped well individually, and kept at cool room temperature

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 lb strawberries
2 tablespoons sweet Sherry
1/2 cup well-chilled heavy cream

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 225<°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat whites with a pinch of salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until they just hold soft peaks. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating, then beat until meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks. Spoon meringue into 4 mounds on parchment paper and spread each into a 3 1/2-inch round, smoothing tops.

    Step 2

    Bake in middle of oven until crisp and firm, about 1 1/2 hours. (If weather is humid, cooking time may be longer.) Cool meringues completely on baking sheet in turned-off oven or on a rack and carefully peel off parchment.

    Step 3

    Halve some small strawberries for garnish. Slice remaining strawberries and stir together with Sherry and remaining tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Macerate 20 minutes. Drain strawberries in a sieve set over a bowl, reserving syrup. Beat cream in a chilled bowl until it just holds stiff peaks and beat in reserved syrup. Spoon cream mixture over meringues and top with strawberry slices. Garnish plates with halved berries.

Read More
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
Like lemony baked salmon and strawberry shortcake roll.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like creamy butternut squash soup and brown butter toffee chocolate chip cookies.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Double-the-mustard chicken, gingery mustard BBQ sauce, cider-dijon pork with roasted apples, and more.
Like sweet-spicy zucchini and joojeh kebab.
A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.