Serving size – will make enough for 4 Eton Mess puddings.
Whisk together the egg whites, lemon juice, salt and vanilla essence to form soft peaks. A peak is where you can pull the mixture with the whisk and the mixture will create dome-like shapes that support themselves.
Slowly add the sugar and then the corn-starch, whisking together until firm, self-supporting peaks form. The Chef’s biggest tip for this stage is to add these ingredients slowly and steadily, if you add the sugar to the previous mixture too quickly, you’ll find small caramel bubbles that can appear burnt once you’ve baked the meringue. Taking it slow will ensure the mixture is smooth and you’ll achieve better results.
Once firm peaks have formed, pipe out the meringue mixture using a plain nozzle into your desired shape. For Sopwell House’s Eton Mess, create droplet shapes by squeezing the piping bag intermittently onto the lined baking tray.
Bake at 90°c for 75-90 minutes.
Leave the meringue to cool in a dry area before attempting to pick up or move them, as they will be soft to touch.
Sopwell House is a stunning Georgian manor house located in the city of St. Albans within the Hertfordshire countryside. Located only 20 minutes from London St. Pancras, the hotel is the idyllic getaway just outside of the hustle and bustle of the capital, with its 128 stylish guestrooms including 16 bespoke Mews suites. The spa at Sopwell House is the perfect place to relax with 14 treatment rooms including one double treatment room, a 15-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and Eucalyptus steam room, along with a fully equipped gymnasium.
Sopwell House’s meringues are best served with thick cream and fresh fruit. If you’re recreating this recipe at home we’d love to know, so be sure to tag us on social #SopwellHouseRecipes
Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ
For reservations, please call: 01727 864477
www.sopwellhouse.co.uk