Eton Mess

A happy mess of fresh strawberries and whipped cream, Eton mess may be named for its haphazard looks or, more likely, for the mess hall (cafeteria) at Eton College, where it has long been a warm-weather favorite. 

Serves 8

 

1 pint heavy cream

8 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 pounds fresh strawberries

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

8 ounces (about 24 two-inch) vanilla meringue cookies, homemade or packaged (Trader Joe’s come in handy)

 

  1. For the whipped cream: Pour the 1 pint cream into the bowl of the food processor. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the sugar and the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cover and chill. Chill the metal blade as well.  

  2. For the berries: Rinse the 4 pounds of berries and blot them dry with paper towels. Hull them, which is to say use a small knife to cut away each leafy crown. Cut away any bruises. Slice large berries crown to point into two or three triangular slices. Heap berries in a bowl, sprinkle with the remaining 5 tablespoons sugar, the 2 teaspoons zest, and the ¼ teaspoon salt. Fold gently and thoroughly with a silicone spatula. Let stand at room temperature one hour, folding together berries and their juices a few times.

  3. For the cookies: Take a deep breath. Is it humid out? If not, make meringue cookies. If so, open a package of prepared meringues. You’re welcome.

  4. To finish: Twist bowl onto food processor; fit with blade. Process until cream turns thick (like sour cream), about 2 minutes. This version of whipped cream is more dense and stable than the sort made with a whisk or electric mixer. If you prefer another method, no worries!

  5. To serve: Choose a big (3-quart) glass serving bowl (or eight 12-ounce glass bowls). Break up the 8 ounces of meringues. (Easiest method: set one meringue on the countertop. Using the heel of your hand over the cookie point, give it a good shove. Repeat with remaining meringues.) Heap half the meringue pieces into the bowl. Scrape in half the berries, along with their juices. Top with half the whipped cream. Repeat, building three more layers. Chill 1 hour, letting flavors mingle. Dig in.