Strawberry Elderflower Eton Mess
Strawberry Elderflower Eton Mess
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Recipe Introduction: Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess
Fancy a right proper summer dessert ? Are you thinking something easy and ever so British? Honestly, is there anything better on a warm day than a Strawberry Eton Mess ? Let's dive into a delightful twist with a Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess recipe!
Eton Mess: A Taste of British Summer
Eton Mess is a classic, born from the hallowed halls of Eton College. It is a celebration of simplicity. This recipe takes about 20 minutes, is super easy, and serves 4.
Think of it as controlled chaos in a bowl.
Why This Eton Mess Rocks
This isn't just any Eton Mess recipe ! We're adding elderflower cordial for a floral kick, that’s what. It's also bloody quick.
This is one of the best summer desserts for a garden party. It's light, refreshing, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need
Right, gather up these bits and bobs. You will need some lovely strawberries. Then we have elderflower cordial, heavy cream, and some shop-bought meringues.
Yes, shop-bought, unless you're feeling particularly keen. Meringues, though, can be a bit of a faff, and this dessert is all about easy .
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Eton Mess Arsenal
Right then, ready to dive into making this utterly scrummy Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess ? First, let's gather all our bits and bobs.
Honestly, it's mostly about getting good ingredients, not fancy techniques. So here's the lowdown.
Main Players
- Strawberries : You will need 500g (1 lb) . Get the ripest, reddest strawberries you can find. They need to be juicy! Avoid anything that looks a bit sad or pale. After this you will need 2 tablespoons (30ml) of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice to bring them to life.
- Cream : 300ml (1 1/4 cups) of proper heavy cream. The stuff that whips up beautifully. Double cream if you can get it.
- Elderflower Cordial : Aim for 3 tablespoons (45ml) . This adds that delicate, floral note.
- Meringues : Get 4 large shop-bought meringues. Save yourself the faff of making them. Aim for crisp on the outside and chewy inside. Roughly crush them before assembling!
Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
The magic is in the balance. A bit of sweetness from the strawberries and elderflower, cut through with a touch of lemon.
It just screams summer dessert ideas . If you can't find elderflower cordial, a tiny bit of lemon zest will add zing.
It is one of the best summer desserts to make.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Okay, you absolutely need these:
- A big mixing bowl, obviously.
- A smaller bowl for the strawberries.
- A whisk, or even better, an electric mixer.
- A knife and chopping board for dealing with the strawberries.
- Serving glasses or bowls.
Honestly, that's it. You don't need any fancy gadgets. Maybe you can even convince someone else to wash up after?
This strawberry eton mess recipe could also be made using no bake summer desserts method, If you want to wow your mates with a quick and easy summer dessert recipes , especially at a garden party desserts .
Look no further!
Right then, let's get cracking on a super easy Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess . Honestly, is there anything more "summer garden party" than this? Think sunshine and strawberries.
It’s the perfect summer dessert idea , and dead simple to make.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place, darling! It's all about getting organised. Hull and halve 500g strawberries. If they’re massive, quarter them.
Measure out your 300ml heavy cream, 3 tablespoons elderflower cordial, and grab those meringues. Make sure you have your bowl and whisk ready.
This helps streamline the whole process. Seriously, it’s a game changer.
Crafting the Perfect Eton Mess: Easy Peasy!
Here's the fun bit. It's all about the assemble, but it needs to be done well to make it one of the best summer desserts .
- Strawberry Magic: Toss your halved strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Leave them be for at least 10 minutes . This lets them get all juicy and delicious.
- Elderflower Dream Cream: In a big bowl, whip 300ml of heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of elderflower cordial until you get soft peaks. Don’t go mad and overwhip! You want it light, not stiff.
- Crush Time: Bash those 4 meringues lightly. You want chunks, not dust.
- Layer Up: In glasses or bowls, layer your crushed meringues, then strawberries and their lovely juice, and then a dollop of the elderflower cream.
- Repeat and Garnish: Keep layering until everything is used up. Finish with cream and meringue.
- Serve ASAP: Get stuck in immediately. Don't wait for the meringues to go soggy. I’m telling you now, serve it straight away!
Pro Tips for a Stellar Summer Dessert
Want to take your Eton Mess to the next level?
- Berry Bonanza: Don't be afraid to chuck in raspberries or blueberries for a summer berry recipes twist.
- Cream Caution: Overwhipped cream is a tragedy. Go for those soft peaks!
- Partial Prep: Macerate the strawberries and whip the cream beforehand. Assemble just before serving. Perfect for saving time, you know? Easy summer dessert recipes are the best!
This Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess is a fantastic option for light summer desserts and it will always be a crowd-pleaser and you'll be left feeling proud and accomplished!
Recipe Notes for Your Strawberry & Elderflower Dream
Right, before you dive headfirst into making this utterly scrummy strawberry eton mess , a few little pointers! These are based on my own kitchen mishaps, so you can skip those and go straight to dessert glory.
Serving it Up Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? It's not just about the taste; it's about the wow factor! Layer this easy summer dessert recipe in fancy glasses.
Clear ones let you see all the pretty colours. A scattering of mint? Absolute chef's kiss. Think a little bit posh, a little bit messy.
That’s the Eton Mess vibe.
Serve it with something equally refreshing. I find that a glass of chilled Prosecco pairs ridiculously well. Think garden party desserts ! Or if you are after something non-alcoholic why not try it with a refreshing elderflower presse?
How to Keep Your Mess...Fresh! (Storage Tips)
This ain't a make-ahead masterpiece, honestly. Meringues + cream = soggy sadness if left too long. It is designed to be a quick summer dessert .
If you must prep, keep the components separate. Macerate the strawberries. Whip the cream. Crush the meringues. Then, assemble right before serving.
Leftovers? Rare, but if you have them, fridge them ASAP. But be warned: the meringues will soften.
Freezing this? Don't even think about it. Cream + freezer = disaster.
Remixing the Classics: Variations
Fancy a little twist? Loads of things work here! Why not add other summer berry recipes ? Raspberries or blueberries would be ace.
Or, for a total flavour bomb, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cream. Zesty and zippy!
Need a dairy-free version? Easy peasy. Loads of amazing plant-based creams out there now. And you can find dairy-free meringues online with little issue. Just check the labels.
k_annotated: Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's talk numbers...roughly. Each serving will be around 350 calories. This is a dessert, yeah? Embrace the indulgence.
It is also packed with fruit so you know what that means: Vitamins! Strawberries also provide a good source of Vitamin C which are also beneficial for your body.
So there you have it! Have fun creating these best summer desserts ! Honestly, it is one of the light summer desserts I love making.
Don’t stress, have fun, and enjoy the delicious mess you create! You’ll be whipping up this no-bake strawberry dessert for every British summer desserts bash in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Strawberry & Elderflower Eton Mess ahead of time? I've got a right royal garden party to prep for!
While you can prep certain elements in advance, like macerating the strawberries and whipping the cream, it's best to assemble the Eton Mess just before serving. Otherwise, the meringues will absorb the moisture and become a bit soggy, which no one wants. Think of it like building a sandcastle – best enjoyed fresh!
What if I can’t find elderflower cordial? Is there a good substitute for my summer desserts?
No worries, mate! If elderflower cordial is proving elusive, a little lemon zest or a dash of orange blossom water can provide a similar floral/citrusy lift. You could also try a raspberry cordial to complement the strawberry flavor. Just use a small amount, so it doesn't overpower the other flavours!
My meringues always seem to go soft! How can I keep them crisp in this Eton Mess?
Ah, the soggy meringue saga! The key is minimal contact with moisture. Assemble the Eton Mess right before serving. If you want to prep ahead, store the crushed meringues in an airtight container with a piece of kitchen paper to absorb any humidity. This should keep them nice and crunchy until it's showtime!
Is there a healthier way to make this Eton Mess recipe? It sounds terribly naughty but oh-so-tempting!
Absolutely! You can lighten it up by using a lighter cream (single cream works, but won't whip as stiffly), reducing the amount of sugar, or even using a sugar substitute like agave nectar. A great way to naturally reduce calories is to boost your strawberry portions!
For the calorie-conscious, use a plant-based whipping cream alternative and ensure your meringues are also dairy-free.
Could I use other fruits besides strawberries in this summer desserts recipe?
Certainly! A berry medley of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries would be divine. Peaches or nectarines, thinly sliced, would also work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose. This Eton Mess is all about flexibility and fresh, summery flavours!
Can I make my own meringues for this Eton Mess, or is shop-bought best?
You absolutely can! Homemade meringues are a labour of love, but they taste fantastic. Plenty of great recipes can be found online, just be sure you have patience to cook at a very low temperature for a prolonged amount of time. Shop-bought are obviously a good shortcut for when you need a quick dessert solution!
