Christmas is just around the corner, and you know what that means! Picture kids splashing in the pool, a lively game of backyard cricket, and a table piled high with festive favourites for everyone to enjoy, all under the warm summer sun. Once the main feast winds down, out come the desserts, bursting with vibrant seasonal fruits,
ready to be savoured by all, rounding off the day on a sweet note. When the usual pavlova feels just a little too time-consuming, this delicious Eton Mess is the perfect crowd-pleaser. Sweet, creamy, and indulgent – this spin on a classic dessert is the perfect addition to your Christmas feast. Better yet, you can find all the ingredients right here at The Pines Elanora!

CHRISTMAS ETON MESS

This recipe has been adapted by the wonderful Andrea Love at EatNik!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 egg whites
• 112g caster sugar + extra to serve
• 5ml vanilla extract
• 200g strawberries hulled
• 35g icing sugar
• 200g kiwi fruit
• 300ml thickened cream
• Pulp from 1 passionfruit
• Handful of fresh mint leaves

INGREDIENTS AVAILABLE FROM

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 120ºC. Line a baking tray with paper.
2. Add egg whites to the base of a stand mixer. Beat to stiff peaks, gradually adding caster sugar a spoonful at a time, beating in between until thick and glossy.
3. Pour meringue mixture onto the prepared tray into a rough round disc. Bake for one hour before setting aside to cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, slice strawberries into halves and quarters and add to a bowl along with icing sugar. Toss well and set aside until juices begin to seep – about 15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, add cream and vanilla extract and whisk until soft peaks form. Remove the skin from kiwi fruit and slice into wedges.
6. In your serving bowl, add a third of the strawberries and kiwi fruit. Spread with a quarter of the cream and then crumble over a third of the cooled meringue. Repeat, layering with remaining ingredients.
7. Drizzle passionfruit pulp over the top and adorn with mint leaves. Dust with extra icing sugar before serving.

This Eton Mess is proof that festive desserts don’t have to be complicated to impress. With its creamy layers, delicious fruits, and crispy yet fluffy meringue, it’s a treat everyone will love. Simple to assemble and big on flavour, it’s the perfect finale to your Christmas celebrations. Give it a try this year and watch it disappear from the
table in no time!