Ideal For Wimbledon Weekends: A Spicy Twist On The Traditional Eton Mess

Fresh strawberries and juicy peaches get a zesty kick from Tajín, while a drizzle of vanilla-infused hot honey adds a layer of complexity that’s both sweet and slightly fiery. Topped with airy Chantilly cream and crunchy meringue, this dessert is a textural dream. 


June’s wet weather may have delayed the British strawberry harvest by a couple of weeks, but, just in time for Wimbledon, the UK’s favourite berry is about to make its annual comeback. Because of this delay, shoppers can expect to see bigger and sweeter strawberries available this year, offering endless possibilities for summery sweet treats.

However, if like us, you’re bored of the same old Eton mess, then we have just the recipe. Sophie Nahmad, Lead Recipe Developer for recipe box delivery service Gousto, has shared her somewhat controversial Eton Mess recipe, which she promises will supercharge the sweetness of strawberries and bring a ‘swicy’ edge to your Wimbledon watch party.

No, we didn’t mistype ‘spicy’ – the swicy flavour trend has been heating up 2024’s food scene for a while. It’s all about mixing sweet and spicy ingredients for an adventurous spin on classic dishes, like this truly sumptuous Eton Mess. 

Tajín, a Mexican spice blend of lime, chilli and salt, is the perfect ingredient to add to a classic Eton mess because, by adding a subtle heat, chilli intensifies the natural sweetness of strawberries,” explains Sophie. 

She continues; “Macerate chopped strawberries & peaches in Tajín and sugar for the most mouthwatering combo. A homemade vanilla bean hot honey will add that extra little kick of sweet and spice for another layer to this show-stopping dessert”.

Indeed, if you’re looking to elevate your dessert game with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Tajín Strawberry & Peach Eton Mess with Vanilla Hot Honey is your new go-to. 

Tajín Strawberry & Peach Eton Mess with Vanilla Hot Honey

Ingredients (serves 2)

  • 200g strawberries
  • 1 peach
  • 2tsp Tajín + little extra for dipping
  • 1tsp sugar + little extra for dipping
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 vanilla pod
  • Pinch of chilli powder
  • 150ml double cream
  • 1 tsp icing sugar
  • 2 meringue nests 

Method

  1. Chop most of your fruit into small bite-sized pieces and set aside 2 halved strawberries and some sliced peach for a garnish
  2. Combine the chopped strawberries and peaches with the Tajín and sugar, give it a good mix up and set aside to macerate 
  3. Scrape the seeds out from the vanilla pod and add half of the seeds to a small pot with the honey and chilli powder
  4. Bring to the boil and cook for 1-2 min or until fragrant, then set aside to cool – this is your vanilla hot honey
  5. Combine your double cream and icing sugar with the remaining vanilla seeds and whisk until soft peaks form – this is your chantilly cream
  6. Build Eton mess: spoon some of the fruit into the bottom of a glass or bowl with some Chantilly cream and crumble over some meringue. Alternate the fruit, cream, and meringue until the bowl or glass is full – this is your Tajín strawberry & peach Eton mess
  7. Dip halved strawberries and peach slices into a little sugar, then a little Tajín and top your Eton mess with them
  8. Drizzle over the vanilla hot honey – this is your Tajín strawberry & peach Eton mess with vanilla hot honey

Enjoy! 

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