Eton Mess

By Chez_Alexander

Eton mess is a traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, pieces of meringue, and cream.

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

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from bbcgoodfood.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 225°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Beat egg 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.

3. Bake meringues 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.

4. 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.

5. Beat cream in a chilled bowl until it just holds stiff peaks and beat in reserved syrup.

6. Spoon cream mixture over meringues and top with strawberry slices. Garnish plates with halved berries.

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

Makes 4 servings. Each serving = 11 Weight Watchers points.