Easter Lemon Pavlova

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I am indebted to Mary Berry of The Great British Bakeoff for this recipe. It is very light, and the lemon makes it a refreshing end to a holiday meal with family and friends.

 

Easter Lemon Pavlova

 

This is a lovely dessert that really does taste heavenly and looks very impressive too. The one thing I like about it is that you can prepare a lot in advance. The candied lemon peel can easily be made the day before and the lemon curd a few days before. The meringue is best made on the day you wish to serve it but that takes very little time to prepare. Then all there is to do is to mix the whipped cream into the lemon curd and assemble everything.

 

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Easter Lemon Pavlova
Prepares: 8–10 servings (picture shows 4–6)
 
  • Preparation time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Standing time: 2 hours or over night for the candied lemon zest
  • Cooking time: about 2 hours

  • Ingredients
  • For the candied lemon zest
  • 55g (2 oz) caster/superfine sugar (¼ cup + ½ tbsp) plus extra for coating
  • 2 lemons

  • For the meringue
  • 6 egg whites
  • 340g (12 oz) caster/superfine sugar (1¾ cups)
  • 2 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch

  • For the lemon curd filling
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 340g (12 oz) caster/superfine sugar (1¾ cups)
  • 
2 lemons at room temperature (plus the 2 reserved from making the candied lemon zest)
  • 225g (8 oz) butter, cubed (1 cup, or 2 sticks)
  • 480ml (16 fl oz) double/whipping cream (2 cups)

  • To serve
  • 30 chocolate mini eggs

  • You will also need a piping bag fitted with a rose nozzle.


  2. Method
  3. For the candied lemon zest
  4. (Can be made up to 24 hours ahead)

  5. Peel the zest from two lemons and cut into thin strips. (Reserve the lemons for their juice in the lemon curd.)

  6. Lay a piece of parchment ready on the work surface and spoon over the extra sugar for coating.

  7. Now dissolve the sugar in a pan with 60ml (2 fl oz) (¼ cup) water, then bring to the boil, stirring constantly.

  8. Add the zest and gently boil until syrupy, about 2–3 minutes.

  9. Drain the zest and tip onto the parchment paper. Then toss in the extra sugar until each one is well coated.

  10. Leave to dry in a warm place for at least two hours, or overnight.


  12. For the meringue
  13. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) (gas mark 2)

  14. Draw a 25cm (10 inch) circle on a sheet of baking parchment. With the drawn side down, place on a baking tray/sheet.


  15. Add the egg whites to a bowl and whisk until stiff but before they get to peak stage. Use an electric hand-whisk or a free-standing mixer.

  16. Then gradually add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, while still whisking on the maximum speed, until the mixture is stiff and shiny, and stands in peaks. 


  17. Blend the vinegar and cornflour/cornstarch together in a small bowl until smooth. Then gently stir this into the meringue. 


  18. Take half the meringue and spread it onto the baking parchment within the lines of the drawn circle. Now fill the piping bag with the remaining meringue and carefully pipe 10 separate nests equally around the edge of the meringue base. 


  19. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 1½–2 hours. The pavlova will be a pale cream colour and will lift off the paper easily when ready. Begin to check periodically after 1¼ hours until it has reached this stage. Then turn off the oven but leave the pavlova on the oven shelf, with the door slightly ajar, until cold. 


  20. For the lemon curd
  21. (The lemon curd can also be made ahead of time and, once cooled, it can be refrigerated covered with cling film/plastic wrap until needed. It will keep in a refrigerator for up to seven days.)

  22. Squeeze the juice from the four lemons. (4 medium lemons should yield ¾ cup.)

  23. Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Add the egg yolks, sugar, and lemon juice to the bowl and whisk until the sugar has dissolved.

  24. Now gradually add the butter to the pan, stirring until the butter has melted.

  25. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, about 10 minutes. It should resemble pouring cream and coat the back of a spoon. Then remove from the heat and leave to cool. It will thicken further on cooling.

  26. To assemble
  27. Once the lemon curd has cooled completely, pour the cream into a large bowl and whisk until really thick. Then add it to the lemon curd, gently swirling it through.

  28. Spoon a little into each nest. Then fill the middle of the pavlova with the remainder (you may not need it all).

  29. Finally, place three chocolate mini-eggs in each nest and then sprinkle the candied zest in the middle of the pavlova, creating a mound.

Updated: April 22, 2019

Apple Amber

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Apple Amber

 

A shortcrust pastry flan is filled with a cooked apple filling and topped with meringue.

 

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Apple Amber
Prepares: 6 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 45 minutes
  • Chilling time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour

  • Ingredients
  • For the shortcrust pastry
  • 225g (8 oz) plain flour/cake and pastry flour (1¾ cups)
  • pinch salt
  • 55g (2 oz) butter, cubed (¼ cup, or ½ stick)
  • 55g (2 oz) shortening, cubed (¼ cup)
  • 8 tsp cold water

  • For the filling
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) water
  • 100g (3½ oz) sugar (½ cup)
  • 450g (1 lb) granny smith apples (about 3 medium)
  • strip of lemon rind
  • squeeze lemon juice
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp)
  • 2 egg yolks (reserve the whites for the meringue)

  • For the meringue
  • 2 egg whites
  • 55g (2 oz) caster/superfine sugar (¼ cup)

  • You will also need a 20.5 cm (8 inch) loose bottomed flan case and a baking tray/sheet.


  2. Method
  3. For the pastry
  4. Sieve the flour and salt into a large bowl.

  5. Rub the butter and shortening into the flour until there are no lumps and the mixture resembles fresh breadcrumbs.

  6. Now sprinkle the water evenly over the surface (if the water is added unevenly, it can cause blistering when the pastry is cooked). Then, using a pallet knife, bring the mixture together.

  7. Once it starts to clump together, remove from the bowl and knead lightly to form a firm, smooth dough.

  8. Pop in a plastic bag or cover with cling film/plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

  9. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (225°C) (gas 7).

  10. Now, on a floured surface, roll out the pastry in one direction only, turning it occasionally. Then line the flan case and trim the edges to neaten. Prick the base of the pastry with the tines of a fork to make sure no air gets trapped underneath the pastry.

  11. Bake blind for 15 minutes. Then remove from the oven and reduce the heat to 300°F (150°C) (gas 3).

  12. For the filling
  13. While the pastry is cooking start preparing the filling.

  14. In a medium-sized pan make a sugar syrup by gently dissolving the sugar in the water over a low heat.

  15. While the sugar in dissolving, peel, core and cut the apples into small chunks.

  16. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the apples along with the strip of lemon rind and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the apples have softened but still hold their shape.

  17. Drain the apples and then add the butter. Stir to melt the butter into the apples, mashing them slightly. Now add the egg yolks and mix in.

  18. Once the flan case has cooled, carefully remove the pastry case and sit it on a baking tray/sheet. Fill with the apple.

  19. For the meringue
  20. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. Then gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking well between each addition, until the mixture is stiff and glossy.

  21. Pile the meringue on top the apple, making sure it completely covers the filling. Finally pull the meringue up into peaks using the tip of a knife.

  22. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. The meringue will be crisp and lightly browned on the outside but still soft on the inside.

 

Coffee Meringues Drizzled with Chocolate

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Coffee Meringues Drizzled with Chocolate

 

These meringues are flavoured with coffee and, when cooked, a little melted chocolate is drizzled over. Serve on their own or with whipped cream or ice cream. Whatever you choose, they just melt in your mouth.

 

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Coffee Meringues Drizzled with Chocolate
Prepares: 8 meringues
 
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Standing time: about 10 minutes
  • Chilling time: about 15 minutes


  • Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee granules or coffee extract
  • 3 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 170g (6 oz) caster/superfine sugar (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 85g (3 oz) dark chocolate

  • You will also need 2 medium baking sheets/trays lined with baking parchment


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 140°C (275°F) (gas 1).

  4. If using coffee granules, dissolve in 1 teaspoon of hot water and set aside to cool.

  5. Put the egg whites in a large bowl and whisk until just stiff. Now gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture becomes very thick and glossy. Then sprinkle over the coffee and whisk until it has thoroughly mixed in.

  6. Dab a little meringue on the corners of the baking sheets/trays which will prevent the parchment paper from slipping. Then line each sheet/tray, pressing the baking parchment down at the corners. Spoon 4 mounds of meringue onto each baking sheet/tray, spacing them well apart. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The meringues should feel hard to the touch and lift off the parchment paper easily. Leave to cool completely on a cooling rack.

  7. Meanwhile break the chocolate into small pieces, put in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of just simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate until melted and smooth, then remove from the heat and leave until it has become cold.

  8. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the meringues and then refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

Updated: March 27, 2019

Coffee and Hazelnut Swirls

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Coffee and Hazelnut Swirls

 

A very light meringue dessert, with chocolate and cream, that tastes heavenly. This is really easy to make and looks impressive.

 

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Coffee and Hazelnut Swirls
Prepares: 12 meringues
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 3 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 170g (6 oz) caster/superfine sugar (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp coffee extract
  • 3 tbsp hazelnuts, finely chopped (or walnuts)

  • For the filling
  • 70g (2½ oz) dark chocolate, chopped
  • 20g (¾ oz) butter (1½ tbsp)
  • 240ml (8 fl oz) double/heavy cream (1 cup)

  • To serve
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)


  2. Method
  3. For the meringue
  4. Preheat oven to a cool setting, 140°C (275°F) (gas 1)

  5. Toast the hazelnuts by heating in a pan over a medium–low heat until just turning colour and you can begin to smell the nuts. Watch them carefully as they can burn very quickly. Set aside to cool.

  6. Now whisk the egg whites until stiff. Then slowly add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition. Drizzle over the coffee extract and whisk again until mixed in. The meringue should form stiff peaks and be glossy.

  7. Carefully fold in the nuts.

  8. Line two baking trays/sheets with baking paper. Dab a little meringue in each corner of the trays/sheets to hold the linings in place. Then swirl spoonfuls of meringue onto the paper. The mixture will make approximately 24 meringues (you want an even number). Do not try piping the meringue as the nuts will clog the tip! Now bake for 1 hour 15 minutes until the meringues are dry and lift freely from the paper. Turn off the oven and, if you have time, leave them to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. Otherwise transfer the trays/sheets onto a wire cooling rack and leave the meringues to cool. When they are cool, remove from the paper..

  9. For the filling
  10. Melt the butter slowly with half the chocolate. Remove from the heat and add the rest of the chocolate, stirring until it has melted. Beat with a wooden spoon and, when it is smooth, coat the flat surface of 12 meringues.

  11. Now whip the cream until stiff and spread it to sandwich together a chocolate-coated meringue and a plain meringue.

  12. To serve
  13. Cocoa powder can be sifted lightly over the top of each meringue to decorate.

Updated: March 18, 2019

Floating Islands with Spun Sugar

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Floating Islands with Spun Sugar

 

I saw Mary Berry create this recipe for floating islands on the Great British Bake Off Masterclass. I have always sprinkled cocoa powder over the meringue eggs (see here) but would certainly recommend this for a change.

 

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Floating Islands with Spun Sugar
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 40 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the crème anglaise
  • 240ml (8 fl oz) full fat/whole milk (1 cup)
  • 180ml (7 fl oz) double cream/heavy cream (¾ cup)
  • ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), yolks only (reserve 3 egg whites for the meringue)
  • 85g (3 oz) caster/superfine sugar (⅓ cup)

  • For the meringues
  • 3 eggs, whites only (reserved from the crème anglaise)
  • 85g (3 oz) caster/superfine sugar (⅓ cup)

  • For the spun sugar
  • 115g (4 oz) caster/superfine sugar (½ cup)

  • You will also need a deep sided sauté or frying pan/skillet with lid and four shallow dessert bowls.


  2. Method
  3. For the spun sugar
  4. Melt the sugar, without stirring, in a small stainless steel pan over a medium heat. Meanwhile, cover a rolling pin with parchment. When the sugar turns a deep golden-brown remove the pan from the heat. Leave to cool slightly, about 30 seconds, then, using the back of a fork or a whisk, quickly flick the caramel backwards and forwards over the rolling pin. (Take care as the sugar will still be very hot.) Gather the strands into a rough ball shape while gently pulling upwards and place on a clean sheet of parchment paper.

  5. For the poaching liquid
  6. This will become the crème anglaise. Pour the milk and cream in the sauté or frying pan/skillet and stir in the vanilla. Then bring to a simmer over a low heat while making the meringue.

  7. For the meringues
  8. In a large grease-free bowl, using an electric hand whisk on fast speed, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form (or use the whisk attachment on a food mixer). Now gradually whisk in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form and the meringue is thick and glossy. 


  9. Have a glass or jug of water to hand. Then using two large tablespoons or serving spoons, shape large eggs from the meringue mixture, dipping the spoons in the water to help shape them and keep them smooth. The meringue should make 4 very large eggs. Place the meringue eggs in the poaching liquid as you form them. Cover the pan and, over a very low heat, poach the meringue eggs for about 8–9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Make sure the poaching liquid doesn’t boil or the meringues will puff up and then collapse. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a wire rack covered with paper towel to drain. 


  10. For the crème anglaise
  11. Strain the poaching milk through a sieve into a large jug. 


  12. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Pour over the warm poaching milk, whisking continuously. Then pour the mixture into a clean heavy-based pan and cook over a very low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring continuously, until smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat.

  13. To serve
  14. Divide the crème anglaise amongst the dessert bowls and then float a meringue egg on top.

    Decorate with a ball of spun sugar.

Baked Alaska

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Baked Alaska

 

Individual servings of the Baked Alaska. Mini sponge flans are topped with raspberry jam and creamy ice cream, covered in a soft meringue, then quickly baked to set the meringue but leaving the ice cream frozen inside.

 

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Baked Alaska
Prepares: 4 individual servings
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Freezing time: overnight
  • Cooking time: 3–5 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 4 mini sponge flans
  • 4 tbsp raspberry conserve
  • 250ml good quality ice-cream, raspberry or strawberry (4 large scoops)
  • 2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • pinch of cream of tartar
  • 115g (4 oz) caster/superfine sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 7g (¼ oz) flaked almonds (1½ tbsp)


  2. Method
  3. Remove the ice cream from the fridge to soften a little, about 10 minutes.

  4. Fill each sponge flan with 1 tablespoon of conserve and level the top. Then, using an ice cream scoop, top with one large scoop of ice cream. Return to the freezer for at least one hour.

  5. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. Sprinkle over the cream of tartar and whisk in the sugar, a spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition, until the mixture is stiff and shiny. Now, using a palette knife to spread the meringue, completely cover the sponges and ice cream. Then drawing upwards with the tip of a knife, make little swirls with the meringue. Freeze overnight.

  6. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) (gas 8)

  7. Now scatter the almonds over the meringue, then bake for 3–5 minutes until the meringue is just starting to brown. Serve immediately.

  8. Tip
  9. The prepared Alaskas can be left frozen for up to one month. Bake in the oven as directed above but leave for 15 minutes before serving.

Updated: November 15, 2018

Coffee Meringues

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Coffee Meringues

 

Very simple coffee flavoured meringues that just melt in the mouth. Sandwiched with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder. They are very light.

 

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Coffee Meringues
Prepares: 10 meringues
 
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the meringues
  • 3 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 170g (6 oz) caster/white sugar (¾ cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 2 tsp coffee essence

  • For the filling
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) double/whipping or heavy cream (1¼ cups)

  • For the decoration
  • 1 level tsp cocoa powder

  • You will also need a large piping bag fitted with a medium sized nozzle.


  2. Method
  3. For the meringues
  4. Preheat oven to cool, 140°C (275°F) (gas 1).

  5. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff. Gradually whisk in the sugar, a spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition. Sprinkle over the coffee essence and whisk again until blended in. The meringue should form stiff peaks and be glossy.

  6. Line two baking sheets with baking paper. Dabbing a little meringue on each corner of the baking sheets first will keep the linings in place.

  7. Spoon the meringue into the piping bag and pipe 20 swirls of meringue onto the paper. Bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes until the meringues are dry. Allow to cool, then remove from the paper.

  8. For the filling
  9. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks and use it to sandwich the meringues together in pairs.

  10. To serve
  11. Dust a coating of cocoa powder over the meringues using a small sieve.

  12. Tip
  13. If you like your meringues really crisp and have the time, leave them to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

Updated: September 22, 2018

Lemon Meringue Nests with Raspberries

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Lemon Meringue Nests with Raspberries

 

A very light meringue that is flavoured with lemon. The nests are filled with a thick raspberry purée and fromage frais, topped with fresh raspberries and then a coulis is poured over the top.

 

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Lemon Meringue Nests with Raspberries
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the meringue
  • 2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 1 lemon
  • 70g (2½ oz) caster/white sugar (⅓ cup)
  • 70g (2½ oz) icing/powdered sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp), sifted

  • For the raspberries
  • 115g (4 oz) fresh raspberries (½ cup)
  • 340g (12 oz) frozen raspberries (1½ cups)
  • 170g (6 oz) caster/white sugar (¾ cup + 2 tbsp)

  • For the filling
  • 200g (7 oz) fromage frais (⅞ cup)
  • 40g (1½ oz) icing/powdered sugar (⅓ cup), sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • You will also need a medium sized baking sheet.


  2. Method
  3. First measure out the frozen berries and leave to thaw.

  4. For the meringue
  5. Heat the oven to 140°C (235°F) (gas 1).

  6. Zest the lemon and and then squeeze out the juice into a small bowl.

  7. Now put the egg whites and lemon zest into a large bowl and whisk until firm peaks form.

  8. Gradually add the caster/white sugar a tablespoon at a time, whisking well between each addition, until the mixture is stiff and glossy.

  9. Sprinkle over 2 teaspoons of the lemon juice and reserve the rest for the raspberries. Whisk briefly to mix.

  10. Now carefully fold in the sifted icing sugar using a large metal spoon or spatula.

  11. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper dabbing a bit of the meringue from the whisk onto each corner first to keep the paper in place.

  12. Now spoon four rough circles of the meringue onto the parchment paper. Take a metal teaspoon and dip it in some hot (not boiling) water and make a depression in the centre of each meringue. Bake on the lowest shelf of the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes.

  13. Remove and place the baking sheet on a wire rack to cool. If you like a crispier meringue and you have time, then leave in the oven to cool.

  14. For the raspberries
  15. Gently wash the fresh raspberries and put to one side for decoration.

  16. Now add the thawed berries to a blender with the sugar and 2 tablespoons of reserved lemon juice. Add 60ml (2 fl oz) (¼ cup) water. Purée and then strain through a fine sieve into a bowl to remove the pips.

  17. Measure 180ml (6 fl oz) (¾ cup) of the purée into a small pan and stir constantly over a medium heat until reduced by a half. This will take 6–7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and leave to cool. It will become the texture of jam.

  18. Bring the remaining purée to the boil then simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

  19. For the filling
  20. Place the fromage frais into a bowl with the icing/powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat together until combined. Chill until needed.

  21. To assemble
  22. Spoon the reduced raspberry ‘jam’ into the centre of the meringues and top with the filling. Then decorate with the fresh raspberries and pour the raspberry sauce over top.

  23. Serve immediately.

Updated: August 17, 2018

Individual Banoffee Pavlovas

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Individual Banoffee Pavlovas

 

These scrumptious pavlovas have a base of meringue topped with cream, toffee sauce and sliced bananas, then decorated with chocolate swirls.

 

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Individual Banoffee Pavlovas
Prepares: 4 pavlovas
 
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the meringues
  • 2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 115g (4 oz) caster/white sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
  • ½ tsp white wine vinegar

  • For the cream topping
  • 150ml (5 fl oz) double/whipping or heavy cream (⅔ cup)

  • For the banoffee topping
  • 90ml (3 fl oz) Dulce de Leche (a creamy caramel sauce) (⅓ cup)
  • 2 bananas

  • For the chocolate swirls
  • 55g (2 oz) plain/dark chocolate

  • You will also need a small disposable piping bag.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 140°C (275°F) (gas 1)

  4. To make the meringue, whisk the egg whites until stiff, then gradually add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, until the meringue is stiff and glossy. Sprinkle over the cornflour/cornstarch and vinegar and whisk in.

  5. Using the meringue from the whisk, dab a little in each corner of a large baking tray/sheet. Now line it with baking parchment. (The meringue will keep the lining in place).

  6. Then spoon four separate large spoonfuls of meringue onto the paper and flatten to make circles about 2.5cm (1 inch) thick.

  7. Bake for 1¼ hours, until the meringues can be lifted off the paper easily. Leave to cool.

  8. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place half in a bowl over a pan of just simmering water. When melted remove from the heat and add the remaining chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the consistency is smooth. Set aside to cool a little.

  9. Next, whip the cream until it is thick, then gently spread over the meringues.

  10. Measure the Dulce de Leche into a small bowl. Now slice the bananas and add to the bowl. Stir to coat the bananas with the caramel and spoon over the cream layer.

  11. Spoon the chocolate into the piping bag and snip off the end to give a small opening. Pipe a zig-zag pattern over the bananas.

  12. They can be chilled for up to one hour. Any longer and the bananas will start to discolour.

Updated: August 1, 2018

Tipsy Eton Mess

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Tipsy Eton Mess

 

Tipsy Eton Mess – a grown-up version of Eton Mess!

.

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Tipsy Eton Mess
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Standing times: 30 minutes

  • If also making the meringue shells:
  • Extra time needed for preparation: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time for the meringue shells: 1 hour 15 minutes, plus 2 hours cooling in the oven

  • Ingredients
  • 450g (1 lb) strawberries (about 3 cups)
  • 1 tbsp caster/white sugar
  • 1 tbsp Grand Marnier
  • 4 small meringue shells*
  • 284ml (9 fl oz) carton double/whipping or heavy cream (1⅛ cups)

  • *This dish is a great way to use up any left over meringue shells. However, if making them especially for this dish, follow the recipe below and prepare them first.

  • For the meringues
  • 2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 115g (4 oz) caster/white sugar (1 cup + 1 tbsp)

  • You will need 4 glass dessert dishes


  2. Method
  3. For the meringues
  4. Preheat oven to cool, 140°C (275°F) (gas 1)

  5. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. Gradually whisk in the sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition, until stiff and glossy.

  6. Now line a baking tray/sheet with baking parchment. Dabbing a little meringue on each corner of the baking tray/sheet first will keep the lining in place.

  7. Spoon 6 mounds of meringue onto the baking paper. Bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, until the meringues shells lift easily from the paper. Turn off the oven but leave the meringue shells inside for a further 2 hours to dry out completely. You will only need four of them for this recipe.

  8. For the Tipsy Eton Mess
  9. Wash, pat dry and hull the strawberries. Halve or quarter them so they are all of a similar size. Place them in a large bowl, sprinkle over the sugar and drizzle with the Grand Marnier. Then mix gently and leave for 30 minutes at room temperature.

  10. Now in a separate bowl, break the meringue shells into bite-sized pieces.

  11. Next whip the cream in a large bowl until it forms soft peaks. It should still fall from a spoon.

  12. Put 20 strawberry halves and about a quarter of the broken meringue pieces to one side for decoration.

  13. Then gently fold the rest of the meringue into the cream and, just using a few strokes, fold in the strawberries and their juice.

  14. Divide between the glass dishes and top each dish with an equal quantity of the reserved strawberry halves and meringue.

  15. Serve immediately.

Updated: July 31, 2018

Strawberry Pavlova

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Strawberry Pavlova

 

This gorgeous dessert was allegedly first made in Australia in 1935 for the Russian dancer Anna Pavlova. This version has a twist by adding framboise to the strawberries and introducing crème fraîche to the whipped cream to reduce the richness of the cream.

 

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Strawberry Pavlova
 
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 3 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 170g (6 oz) caster/white sugar (¾ cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 450g (1 lb) strawberries (about 3 cups)
  • 3 tbsp framboise (raspberry liqueur)
  • 284ml (9 fl oz) carton double/whipping or heavy cream (1⅛ cups)
  • 180ml crème fraîche (⅞ cup)


  2. Method
  3. Draw a 20cm (8 inch) circle on a piece of baking parchment. Turn it over and lay on a baking tray/sheet.

  4. Preheat the oven to 130°C (250°F) (gas ½).

  5. Add the egg whites to a grease-free bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form. (You should be able to turn the bowl upside down without the egg whites falling out!)

  6. Then add the sugar one spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition, until the meringue is stiff and glossy.

  7. Next, sprinkle over the cornflour/cornstarch, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk briefly, just enough to combine everything. The meringue will soften a little.

  8. Put a dab of meringue in the four corners of the baking sheet and press the baking parchment down. (This will prevent it from slipping.) Now, using a metal spoon, spoon the meringue evenly within the marked circle. Then, using a palette knife, make a slight dip in the centre of the meringue which will hold the strawberries. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The meringue should be firm at the edges and slightly soft in the centre. Leave to cool.

  9. Meanwhile, wash the strawberries, gently pat dry and hull. Halve any if they are large so they are all fairly equal in size. Place them in a large bowl and add the framboise. Gently toss together until the strawberries are coated and then leave to marinate.

  10. Once the meringue has cooled, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Now, beat the crème fraîche, which will loosen its stiff consistency, and then gently fold into the cream.

  11. Carefully peel the baking parchment from the meringue and place it on a serving plate. Add three quarters of the strawberries to the cream mixture and, just using a few strokes, gently fold through. Spoon into the centre of the pavlova. Now decorate the top with the reserved strawberries and drizzle over any strawberry juice.

  12. Serve immediately.

Updated: July 31, 2018

Lemon Angel Pie with Strawberries

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Lemon Angel Pie with Strawberries

 

This is a lovely light dessert and another way to enjoy strawberries now they are at the height of their season.

The base is a soft meringue nest which is filled with a lemon cream custard, topped with whipped cream and decorated with delicious strawberries.

 

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Lemon Angel Pie with Strawberries
Prepares: 6–8 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Chilling time: 2 hours
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 25 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the meringue
  • 4 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only (reserve the yolks for the filling)
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • 225g (8 oz) caster/white sugar (1 cup + 2 tbsp)

  • For the filling
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 100g (3½ oz) granulated/white sugar (½ cup)
  • 1 lemon
  • 225ml (8 fl oz) whipping/double cream or heavy cream (1 cup)

  • For the topping
  • 120ml (4 fl oz) whipping/double cream or heavy cream (½ cup)
  • 2 tbsp icing/powdered sugar
  • 280g (10 oz) strawberries, washed and hulled (1 punnet or about 2 cups)

  • You will also need a 23cm (9 inch) round glass dish.


  2. Method
  3. For the meringue
  4. Preheat the oven to 130°C(250°F) (gas ½)

  5. Whip the egg whites until stiff. Sprinkle over the cream of tartar then gradually add the sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition, until the meringue is smooth and glossy.

  6. Very lightly grease the glass dish then spoon in the meringue making a nest about 2.5cm (1 inch) deep with a rim about 5cm (2 inches) deep.

  7. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes and then leave to cool.

  8. For the filling
  9. Zest half the lemon and squeeze the juice from the whole lemon and set to one side.

  10. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together in a glass bowl sitting over a pan of just simmering water. (Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.) Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened, stirring frequently. Remove the bowl from the pan and leave to cool.

  11. Now, whip the cream until soft peaks just start to form (you don’t want it to become stiff). Then fold into the cooled lemon sauce until incorporated. Pour into the meringue nest, level the top, and chill for 2 hours.

  12. For the topping
  13. Whip the cream and sugar together until stiff and spread over the lemon filling.

  14. Decorate with the strawberries. If they are small, leave them whole but if they are large, slice them.

Updated: July 25, 2018