Strawberry Eton Mess for Mother's Day

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This strawberry Eton mess for Mother's Day recipe is topped with caramelized almonds, a tart whipped cream, and macerated strawberries for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package fresh strawberries, quartered
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
12 leaves basil, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white sugar
4 tablespoons sour cream
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons white sugar, or as needed
1/4 cup chopped almonds, or to taste
1 (4 3/10 ounce) package plain meringue cookies, coarsely crushed

Directions

1 Combine strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, balsamic vinegar, raspberry vinegar, and basil in a bowl: set aside until strawberries release their juices and absorb flavors, at least 15 minutes.
2 Whip heavy cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add 1 tablespoon sugar, continually beating until soft peaks form. Beat in sour cream and cream cheese until well blended.
3 Sprinkle enough of remaining 3 tablespoons sugar into a heavy saucepan until bottom of pan is covered with a thin layer. Cook over medium heat, adding more sugar as it starts to melt; stir until caramelized and amber in color. Stir in almonds.
4 Pour sugar-almond mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top; roll into a thin layer using a rolling pin. Cool. Break into pieces.
5 Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries in bottoms of 4 serving dishes; top with a layer of whipped cream and crushed meringue cookies. Continue layering until reaches tops of dishes. Garnish with caramelized almond pieces, crushed meringue cookies, and macerated strawberries.