June’s wet weather may have delayed the British strawberry harvest by a couple of weeks, but, just in time for Wimbledon, the UK’s favourite berry is about to make its annual comeback. Because of this delay, shoppers can expect to see bigger and sweeter strawberries available this year, offering endless possibilities for summery sweet treats.
To celebrate, Sophie Nahmad, Lead Recipe Developer for recipe box delivery service Gousto, has shared her controversial Eton Mess recipe which she promises will supercharge the sweetness of strawberries and bring a “Swicy” edge to your Wimbledon watch party. The “Swicy” flavour trend heating up 2024’s food scene mixes sweet and spicy ingredients for an adventurous spin on classic dishes, like this truly sumptuous Eton Mess.
Tajín Strawberry & Peach Eton Mess with Vanilla Hot Honey
“Tajín, a Mexican spice blend of lime, chilli & salt, is the perfect ingredient to add to a classic Eton mess because, by adding a subtle heat, chilli intensifies the natural sweetness of strawberries,” explains Sophie.
“Macerate chopped strawberries & peaches in Tajín and sugar for the most mouthwatering combo. A homemade vanilla bean hot honey will add that extra little kick of sweet and spice for another layer to this show-stopping dessert.”
Ingredients (serves 2)
200g strawberries
1 peach
2tsp Tajín + little extra for dipping
1tsp sugar + little extra for dipping
2 tbsp honey
1 vanilla pod
Pinch of chilli powder
150ml double cream
1 tsp icing sugar
2 meringue nests
Method
Chop most of your fruit into small bite-sized pieces and set aside 2 halved strawberries and some sliced peach for a garnish
Combine the chopped strawberries and peaches with the Tajín and sugar, give it a good mix up and set aside to macerate
Scrape the seeds out from the vanilla pod and add half of the seeds to a small pot with the honey and chilli powder
Bring to the boil and cook for 1-2 min or until fragrant, then set aside to cool – this is your vanilla hot honey
Combine your double cream and icing sugar with the remaining vanilla seeds and whisk until soft peaks form – this is your chantilly cream
Build Eton mess: spoon some of the fruit into the bottom of a glass or bowl with some Chantilly cream and crumble over some meringue. Alternate the fruit, cream, and meringue until the bowl or glass is full – this is your Tajín strawberry & peach Eton mess
Dip halved strawberries and peach slices into a little sugar, then a little Tajín and top your Eton mess with them
Drizzle over the vanilla hot honey – this is your Tajín strawberry & peach Eton mess with vanilla hot honey
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