Strawberry Eaton Mess

45 Minutes

45 Minutes

Serves 8

Ingredients

Macerated Strawberries:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Whipped Vanilla Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Honey Toasted Almond Clusters:

• 1 cup slivered almonds

• 2 tablespoons honey

Additional Components:

• 1 pavlova (store-bought or homemade), broken into chunky pieces

• 1.5 cups custard (store-bought or homemade)

• Additional fresh berries for topping

Method

In a bowl, combine the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Heat a non stick pan over medium heat. Toast the almonds until golden brown and fragrant. Pour the honey over the almonds, toss to coat then remove them from the heat and pour the honey almonds onto the prepared tray and set aside to cool. Once cooled, break the almonds into small clusters.

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat. Refrigerate until needed.

In a large trifle bowl, start by layering a third of the pavlova pieces at the bottom. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries over the pavlova, followed by a layer of whipped vanilla cream and then a layer of custard. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a final layer of pavlova pieces.

Top the Eaton Mess with the remaining macerated strawberries, additional fresh berries (if using), and the honey toasted almond clusters.

Notes

Even though this recipe has a few layers its really simple, buy the custard and the pavlova pre made from the store to save time! Let the strawberries macerate in the fridge over night to save time on the service day.