Gariguette Strawberry Mess with Fennel Pollen Meringue
Rated 5.0 stars by 3 users
Author:
Drogo
Servings
5-6
Prep Time
240 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
This elegant Strawberry Eton Mess showcases the exceptional flavour of Gariguette strawberries, a prized French variety celebrated for its intense sweetness, delicate fragrance and vibrant colour. A sophisticated twist on the classic strawberry mess recipe, this dessert layers fresh berries with crisp fennel pollen meringue, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and flavours that's perfect for spring and summer entertaining.
The naturally sweet Gariguette strawberries are complemented by a silky strawberry purée dessert element, which enhances the fruit's bright, aromatic character. The addition of fennel pollen brings subtle floral and aniseed notes to the meringue, elevating this dish beyond a traditional Eton Mess. Whether you're searching for a memorable Gariguette strawberry dessert or an impressive summer strawberry dessert, this recipe is a delicious celebration of seasonal fruit and simple, elegant ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites
- 175g caster sugar
-
1 tablespoon fennel pollen, plus extra to serve
-
100g Gariguette strawberry puree
-
400g strawberries
- 350ml double cream
- 1 teaspoon icing sugar
Directions
Step 1, Preheat the oven to 120C.
Step 2, Put the egg whites into a very clean mixing bowl and whisk to soft peaks.
Step 3, Whisk in the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until the egg white mixture is stiff and glossy, then whisk in the 1 tablespoon fennel pollen.
Step 4, Line a baking tray with baking paper, using small blobs of meringue at each corner to stick the paper down.
Step 5, Divide the mixture into 6 craggy meringues, and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave to cool slowly overnight or for at least 4 hours. This will leave them nice and chewy in the middle.
Step 6, When ready to assemble the mess, whip the cream and stir through most of the (hulled) strawberries. Crumble in some meringue, and mix.
Step 7, Divide the mixture into serving bowls and top with the strawberry puree and some more strawberries and fennel pollen. Serve immediately.
Recipe Note
What are Gariguette strawberries?
Gariguette strawberries are a premium French variety known for their elongated shape, vibrant red colour and intensely sweet flavour. Their fragrant aroma and juicy texture make them ideal for a Gariguette strawberry dessert such as this elegant take on Strawberry Eton Mess.
Can I make Strawberry Eton Mess in advance?
You can prepare the individual elements ahead of time, including the fennel pollen meringue and strawberry purée dessert. For the best texture, assemble the dessert just before serving to keep the meringue crisp and the strawberries fresh.
What makes this strawberry mess recipe different from a traditional Eton Mess?
This refined strawberry mess recipe uses sweet Gariguette strawberries, aromatic fennel pollen meringue and a smooth strawberry purée to create a more sophisticated version of the classic British dessert while retaining its light, summery appeal.
What can I use if I can't find Gariguette strawberries?
If Gariguette strawberries are unavailable, choose the ripest, most flavourful strawberries you can find. Seasonal British strawberries work particularly well and will still create a delicious summer strawberry dessert.
How do you make a strawberry purée for dessert?
A simple strawberry purée dessert can be made by blending ripe strawberries until smooth, then passing the mixture through a fine sieve if desired. A small amount of sugar or lemon juice can be added to enhance the flavour.
What is fennel pollen and why is it used in meringue?
Fennel pollen meringue adds a delicate floral aroma with subtle hints of aniseed. Its unique flavour complements strawberries beautifully and brings an unexpected twist to this Strawberry Eton Mess, making it a standout dessert for special occasions.
Ingredients you'll need
