Prep time:

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Total time:

Serves: 6

3 egg whites (I often use Two Chicks)

150g golden caster sugar

50g blanched/toasted hazelnuts, whizzed in a food processor until finely ground

1tsp white wine vinegar

150ml double cream, whipped until thick

6 large strawberries (I used frozen ones, and defrosted them), whizzed to a puree

vanilla extract, optional

dark chocolate, to decorate

2tsp icing sugar

berries, to decorate

mint leaves, optional

Berries are such a summer staple and we grow plenty here in Kent. These mini pavlovas with their chewy, nutty texture are a wonderful way to showcase the beautiful berries. You can make it all the day before and it takes a moment to assemble before serving. Be sure to make the meringues well in advance to allow to cook and cool.

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line a baking sheet or two with greaseproof paper.
    Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then whisk the sugar in, one spoon at a time. Finally, gently fold in the nuts and vinegar.
  2. Using a plate as a template draw circles to the size you want. Spoon the meringue onto the baking parchment into the delineated circles, and spread and smooth to fill. You want to make the meringue slightly higher at the rims, or just use the back of the spoon to make an indentation in the centre to hold the cream and fruit later.
  3. Put in the preheated oven and then turn down to 150°C. After 30-40mins, turn the oven off and allow to cool in the oven. When completely cold, remove from the oven. You can keep them in a tin overnight if needed.
  4. Add the strawberry puree and icing sugar to the whipped cream, and two drops of vanilla if using. Taste – it may need a little more icing sugar.
  5. When ready to serve, place the meringues on a plate and spread the cream over. Decorate, arranging the fruit on top. You can also grate a little dark chocolate over. I love adding mint leaves for a pop of green.

Serve with Nine Oaks Pinot Noir Rosé 2023

About Charlotte Butterworth
aka @theneedy.greedy

Charlotte is a private caterer, cookery teacher and recipe creator sharing her original recipes on Instagram and Facebook as @theneedy.greedy.
She trained as a Cordon Bleu cook, but has developed her own signature style of using lots of vegetables, big flavours and love of Mediterranean style cooking.
Charlotte runs cookery workshops and teaches individuals in her lovely kitchen in Cranbrook, helping people rediscover their culinary mojo with new ideas for delicious, healthy and easy meals for everyday and entertaining. Visit her Instagram to find her workshop schedules and to speak to her about tuition.
She also caters for everything from intimate dinners and family celebrations to drinks parties and corporate events. Charlotte is also co-founder of the Small Business Supper Club Kent, which holds monthly events to bring small business owners, creatives and sole traders together. Do contact her at charlotte@butterworth.co.uk for more information about catering, teaching or supper clubs.


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