Description
Ina Garten’s Eton Mess celebrates British summer with layers of whipped cream, crushed meringue, and ripe strawberries. Elegant yet simple, this classic dessert brings together sweet and tangy flavors in a delightful confection you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 4 (6-ounces/170 grams) packages fresh raspberries, divided
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (200 grams) plus 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon framboise liqueur
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dairy and Meringue:
- 1½ cups (360 milliliters) cold heavy cream
- 3 (3-inch) bakery meringue shells, broken in pieces
Instructions
- Craft the raspberry elixir by combining two packages of fresh raspberries, of granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a 10-inch (25 centimeters) sauté pan. Gently crush the berries with a fork, elevating the heat to medium-high until the mixture reaches a robust boil.
- Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, transforming into a luxuriously thick syrup. Tenderly fold in the remaining whole raspberries and a splash of framboise liqueur.
- Transfer the raspberry concoction to a chilled container and refrigerate until completely cooled, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare the ethereal cream by utilizing an electric mixer with a whisk attachment. Combine cold heavy cream, remaining of sugar, and pure vanilla extract.
- Whip the cream mixture at medium-high speed, creating a voluminous texture with firm, elegant peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
- Assemble the dessert in elegant, clear glasses by layering delicate spoonfuls of whipped cream, followed by generous drizzles of raspberry sauce and crumbled meringue pieces.
- Repeat the layering process, culminating with a vibrant raspberry sauce topping and a crowning dollop of billowy whipped cream.
- Serve the dessert immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate for up to one hour before presenting this sumptuous treat.
Notes
- Grab ultra-fresh raspberries picked at peak ripeness to guarantee vibrant flavor and perfect sauce consistency.
- Whip cream carefully until soft peaks form, watching closely to prevent transforming into butter during mixing.
- Chill raspberry sauce thoroughly, allowing complete cooling to maintain structural integrity when layering dessert components.
- Crumble meringues into rustic, uneven chunks instead of fine powder to preserve delightful textural contrast.
- Build dessert moments before serving to protect meringue’s delicate crispness and prevent unwanted sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 97mg
- Fat: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg