
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of vinegar
- 300 ml of fresh double cream
- 250 g of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 400 g of frozen raspberries, mixed with 2 tbsp caster sugar then left to defrost (optional)
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250 g of caster sugar, plus extra for the raspberries
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 250 g of fresh raspberries (optional)
Method
Step 1
Draw a 23cm/9 inch circle on non-stick paper and place it on a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 140°C/120°C fan/gas mark 1.Step 2
Whisk the egg whites with the salt until stiff, then gradually add in the sugar. Keep whisking until you form stiff peaks (Mum used to check they were stiff enough by holding the bowl upside down. If they don’t move, they’re ready). Then, fold in the vanilla flavouring and vinegar.Step 3
Spread the meringue mixture over the circle on the non-stick paper and bake for an hour, until firm.Step 4
Turn the oven off and leave the meringue in there for another ½ hr. This was Mum’s trick – which I always do – and I believe it’s the key to a perfect meringue.Step 5
Remove from the oven and leave to cool before peeling away the paper with care! Place the meringue on a serving plate.Step 6
Whip the cream until stiff, then pile on top of the meringue and decorate with the fruit. I strain the defrosted raspberries, put them in the centre, then arrange the fresh fruit on and around the top.