THE MENUS IN MY PREMIUM AREA
If I were to host three dinner parties this autumn, these are the menus I’d choose…
Three opportunities to get together around a lovely table.
MENU No. 2 — A Thursday evening
What an idea! I’ve invited some friends round on Thursday evening for a proper dinner.
Crispy savoury puff pastry · Poultry with tarragon · Chocolate & orange
How about we finally took the time to entertain guests?
Pears, chanterelles & hazelnuts · Roast lamb · Autumn pavlova
MENU No. 15 — An evening with a difference
How about we do something a bit out of the ordinary tonight?
Autumn Cappuccino · Salmon in a golden coating · Chocolate & pear
For each menu: the recipes, the shopping list and my plan of action to organise everything in advance.
Your guests are seated.
You too.
Eton Mess (traditional method & Thermomix)
Description
When the British summer rolls around, strawberries take centre stage: juicy, red and irresistible. And nothing sets them off better than a dollop of whipped cream and a few slivers of meringue. This was the origin of the famous Eton Mess, served for the first time in 1893, traditionally at Eton College cricket matches. The Pavlova may resemble it, but the Mess is distinguished by : - its dry meringues (not soft in the centre) - its presentation in verrines A no-fuss dessert, but absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
- TRADITIONAL METHOD
Traditional preparation
1. Wash and chop the strawberries. Place in a bowl with the sugar and vanilla. Leave to stand for at least 10 minutes.
2. Whip the chilled cream until stiff.
3. Break 6 meringues into small pieces. Gently fold them into the cream with ¾ of the strawberries. Do not overmix to preserve the marbling.
4. Spoon into verrines. Add the remaining strawberries with their juice and sprinkle with the remaining meringue pieces.
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Tip
This dessert should be served immediately to retain all its crunchiness.
For an even more user-friendly version: present the components separately like a small buffet and let everyone put together their own mess.
THERMOMIX® METHOD
Thermomix version
1. Place the strawberries, sugar and vanilla in a bowl. Leave to rest.
2. Insert the whisk attachment into the Thermomix bowl. Pour in the cream and beat continuously on speed 3 until stiff (watch through the hole in the lid).
3. Remove the whisk, fold in the broken meringues and ¾ of the strawberries with a spatula.
4. Arrange in glasses and finish as above.
________________________________________
Tip
This dessert should be served immediately to retain all its crunchiness.
For an even friendlier version, present the components separately like a small buffet and let everyone put together their own mess.
