Such Pretty Things: Eton Mess with Pastel Meringues

April 03, 2015

Eton Mess with Pastel Meringues

I have literally been meaning to share this recipe since last August! When we returned home from vacation in Italy last summer, I discovered that the beautiful pastel meringues I had brought back with me did not survive the journey. They were a sad, crumbly mess and I felt just terrible.

What to do? Well, when life hands you smashed meringues, you make Eton Mess! If you are not familiar with it, Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that typically consists of a delicious combination of fruit, whipped cream, and meringue. I decided it would be the perfect (and pretty) solution to my crushed meringue debacle. :-)

Ingredients:

- 1 pint Heavy whipping cream

- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

- 2 T. Confectioner's sugar

- Meringues (homemade or store bought)

- Fruit of your choice (I used strawberries)

Directions:

Begin by making the whipped cream. Please don't use anything from a can or tub for this, real whipped cream is so simple to make and it tastes sooo much better! Just place your cold heavy cream in the mixer. I like to add a little sugar and vanilla to mine, but this is totally optional. Whip on high speed until fairly thick - just be careful not to over-whip it or you will end up with butter! Next, crumble your meringues into small pieces (I was obviously able to skip this step!). Just place them in a plastic bag and crush them lightly with a rolling pin.

Now, wash and prepare your fruit. I used strawberries because I really like them and they looked good, but you can use any fruit you like.

I just sliced them into bite-sized pieces. Now, the fun part! Mix it all together. Yes, it will be a real "mess", but that's totally OK!

I like to serve Eton Mess in individual clear martini glasses because the ingredients look so pretty, but you can use any type of serving vessel (I've even made this as one large dessert in a trifle bowl).