Eton Mess

Pondering the desserts for a baby shower was fun, I love narrowing down the possibilities. This was to be a gluten free English tea party baby shower. With a few limitations I decided to start researching what to create. Eton mess popped up time after time. There seems to be some debate about it's origins. When it started and where, if google is to be believed, is Eton college.

There wasn't really much to it. Whipped cream, crushed meringue shells, and strawberries. I wanted to add a little something special, so I flavored my whipped cream with Belvoir Fruit farms elderflower lemon cordial. It was a delightful combination. If you are lucky enough to be near a Cost Plus World Market, they usually carry it at a better price than Amazon.

I have included with the whipped cream instructions three different variation I have used to stabilized whipped cream so it doesn't deflate quickly.  All three with keep the cream whipped for several days. 

1 pound strawberries

2 - 3 Tbsp. sugar (depends on how sweet your berries are)

1 tsp. instant clear gel (optional)

1 c. chopped meringues

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1 Tbsp. Sugar

3 Tbsp. Cordial

large pinch xanthan gum OR 1 tsp. clear gel OR 2 tsp. vanilla pudding mix

Hull and slice the strawberries. Toss with sugar and set aside for 30 minutes. They are done when the sugar dissolves and there is a nice syrup around the berries. After they have sat sprinkle the clear gel on top, if using, and let sit another 10 minutes. 

While the gel is thickening, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and cordial in a chilled mixing bowl. Beat until starting to thicken. While still beating add in the pinch of xanthan gum and keep beating until thick. Fold in the meringues. 

Layer the whipped cream and berries and serve immediately. 

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Original photo - Post Updated 3/10/2018