So many times we celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. Going to a restaurant seems to feel rushed because of seating times and preset menus are never my favorite. As much as I love to cook, I also like to prepare items that are easy and allow me to enjoy my guests or in this case my sweet husband!
I’ll probably prepare a scaled down version of this Beef Tenderloin and this great Citrus Salad. But for dessert, I will prepare this simple but decadent Raspberry Eton Mess. It is inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe in her cookbook How Easy is That?
Be sure to call you favorite bakery today and order your meringue shells to pick up tomorrow. You’ll need 2-3 per serving. The raspberry sauce and whipped cream will keep for several days so you can make those ahead. If you are celebrating Valentine’s with your family or even girl friends, this is a fun dessert to let guests assemble as well!
- 8 packages fresh raspberries, divided
- 1½ c granulated sugar, plus (1/4 c reserved for whipped cream)
- 2 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2½ c cold heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 bakery meringue shells, broken in pieces
- Mix 4 packages of the raspberries, 1½ cups of the sugar, and the lemon juice into a 10-inch saute pan.
- Crush the berries lightly with wooden spoon and bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is syrupy.
- Fold the remaining 4 packages of raspberries into the hot mixture and refrigerate until very cold.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream, the remaining ¼ cup of sugar, and the vanilla together on medium-high speed until it forms firm peaks.
- In decorative glasses, layer a spoonful of the whipped cream, a spoonful of the raspberry mixture, and then a few meringue pieces.
- Repeat once or twice, depending on the size of the glasses, until the glasses are full, ending with berries and a dollop of cream.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
- NOTE: All items can be made a two days ahead and the meringue shells will keep for 5-7 days in an airtight container.
How ever you celebrate Valentine’s Day, I hope it is a great one!xo
Alicia
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Photos by Mary Summers-Hafner
Thank you to Juliska for partnering on this post.
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