📝 About This Recipe
Legend has it this quintessential British dessert originated from a dropped pavlova at Eton College, but what resulted was a glorious harmony of textures. This recipe elevates the classic with homemade crisp-chewy meringues, a vibrant balsamic-macerated strawberry coulis, and velvet-thick Chantilly cream. It is the ultimate celebration of berries and small fruits, offering a sophisticated balance of tartness, sweetness, and crunch.
🥗 Ingredients
For the Crisp Meringues
- 4 large Egg whites (at room temperature, strictly no yolk)
- 225 grams Superfine (caster) sugar (added gradually)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cream of tartar (for stability)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste
The Berry Medley & Coulis
- 500 grams Fresh Strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 150 grams Fresh Raspberries (kept whole)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered (icing) sugar (for macerating)
- 1 teaspoon Aged Balsamic Vinegar (to deepen the berry flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
The Chantilly Cream
- 500 ml Heavy whipping cream (very cold)
- 100 grams Mascarpone cheese (for structure and richness)
- 1 tablespoon Powdered (icing) sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (high quality)
Garnish
- 6-8 pieces Fresh Mint leaves (small sprigs)
- 2 tablespoons Pistachios (finely chopped for crunch)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2
In a clean, grease-free glass bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
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3
Increase the speed to high and add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and the sugar has completely dissolved.
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4
Gently fold in the vanilla bean paste, then spoon the meringue into 6 large mounds on the baking sheet. Bake for 75-90 minutes until crisp on the outside but still slightly pale.
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5
Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar to cool completely; this prevents cracking.
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6
While the meringues bake, place half of the strawberries into a blender with the icing sugar, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Blitz until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to create a vibrant coulis.
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7
Mix the remaining quartered strawberries and whole raspberries in a bowl and set aside to macerate in their own juices.
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8
In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until soft, billowy peaks form. Do not over-beat, or the cream will become grainy.
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9
Once the meringues are stone cold, roughly break them into bite-sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). You want a mix of dust and larger pieces.
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10
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold two-thirds of the broken meringues and half of the fresh berries into the whipped cream. Add a few swirls of the strawberry coulis, but do not over-mix; you want distinct streaks.
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11
Spoon the mixture into chilled glass bowls or a large trifle dish.
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12
Top with the remaining meringue chunks, the rest of the fresh berries, and a final generous drizzle of coulis.
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13
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a professional, textural finish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Ensure your mixing bowl is perfectly clean; even a drop of fat will prevent egg whites from peaking. Don't assemble the dish more than 15-20 minutes before serving, or the meringue will lose its essential crunch. If short on time, high-quality store-bought meringues are an acceptable substitute, though homemade is always superior. The balsamic vinegar is the 'secret' ingredient—it doesn't taste like vinegar but makes the strawberries taste twice as 'red'. For a winter twist, swap the berries for poached pears and a salted caramel drizzle.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a chilled glass of English Sparkling Wine or a crisp Prosecco. Pairs beautifully with a side of shortbread cookies for extra buttery crunch. Offer a small pitcher of extra coulis on the table for guests to add more at their leisure. For an outdoor garden party, serve in individual Mason jars for easy transport and a rustic look. A light Earl Grey tea makes for a perfect non-alcoholic afternoon accompaniment.