Strawberry Eton Mess

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ounces store-bought meringues (broken into pieces, totaling roughly 3 cups)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Cool the almonds on the baking sheet.  If you don’t want to turn on the oven, toast the almonds in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium heat. Stir constantly for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly browned. Immediately transfer them to a plate to cool, since they can easily burn if you don’t watch them.

2. 2

   Set aside some strawberry slices to garnish the finished dessert with. In a medium bowl, toss half the strawberries with the jam. Using a potato masher or a fork, crush them coarsely. Add the sliced strawberries and let sit while you whip the cream. 

3. 3

   In a mixer bowl, combine the cream and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks begin to form. Once the cream is thickened halfway, use a wire whisk to beat it by hand to the desired consistency. The cream should be thickened but still soft and loose.

4. 4

   In the bottom of 4 (8-ounce) serving glasses or bowls, place a spoonful of the strawberries followed by the whipped cream. Top with a spoonful of broken meringue pieces. Continue to layer the strawberries, cream, and the broken meringues into the dishes.  Top with toasted almonds and reserved strawberry slices and serve. Did you love the recipe? Leave us some stars below!