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[blank]Strawberries and cream – three little words that evoke summer, in all its deliciousness
Last week we were invited to a big lunch party, where the hostess was happy to accept some contributions for dessert. We were eating outside, milling around, fairly casual, so I thought that individual desserts could be the way to go.[blank]
[blank]I put together these little ‘verrines’ (French for mini portions in glass tumblers). They could not be simpler, all you need is fresh strawberries, whipping cream, tiny meringues and a sprinkling of sugar.
Having washed and hulled the strawberries, I took a handful and blended them in a bowl with some sugar to taste. This makes the fresh coulis that gives a pop of colour at the base of the verrine. Of the remaining strawberries, some were left whole and some were sliced.[blank]
[blank]I beat the whipping cream until it would hold in soft peaks. My meringues came from our local baker, who sells his home baked meringues in small packets, and they are so pretty and regular in their size and shape that I don’t see the point in making them myself. For this dessert, some meringues are left whole to decorate and the rest are cut or broken into pieces.[blank]
[blank]To assemble the verrines, simply pour a little coulis into the base of the glass, followed by some broken meringue. Carefully spoon in some whipped cream, then a few slices of strawberries. Another dollop of cream, a final spoonful of coulis, a beautiful little strawberry and a perfect meringue sitting on the top and you are done!
These can be made ahead of time, they’ll sit in the fridge quite happily for hours before your meal, they could even be made the day before if you are pushed for time.[blank]
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[blank]So when it came to bringing my dessert to our friends I decided to have some fun, they all looked so pretty in a row. I laid them out on an old French teacloth, with a red monogram in the centre, to match the strawberries. The overflow of strawberries were piled into a small tureen from my collection, and I took them over with some roses cut from the garden just before we went.[blank]
[blank]What can I say? I have such fun putting together a few pretties, especially when I can gift them to a friend.[blank]
[blank]I wish you all a wonderful weekend, whether you are at the height of a hot summer or heading into fall, may you find something lovely to share with a friend![blank]
41 comments
Oh Sharon, this looks so beautifully delicious I will make your dessert the next time we go strawberry picking. Have you written a post on how to arrange flowers? Yours always look so natural and harmonious in their casual baskets and bowls.
Heavenly! I am sure they were a big hit at the party!
XO,
Jane
BEAU BEAU BEAU….
Amicalement,
manon
Good idea to add the meringue to the desert. I am happy to be soon in Normandy visiting my sister near Falaise. Like to look at your blog to stay in touch with this nice part of France. Sibylle
Nádhera, určitě vyzkouším…na zahradní party s přáteli..Bety.
I am loving all of these foodie posts! The heat down here has left me positively lazy so I can really use the extra inspiration. And your bouquet–my goodness, how wonderful to have all of that within arm's reach…
Bon weekend et bisous à Quick!
Yummy – what a pretty dessert, and it's so simple to make, too – especially if you buy the meringues!
Thanks for sharing!
Have a wonderful weekend, Sharon!
These would be perfect for a Breakfast at Wimbledon for an
at-home celebration watching the finals next week. Great idea to make individual ones too.
Sam
Sharon, I love your style of simple elegance! Gorgeous photos as usual!! Merci! Have a wonderful weekend!
Beautiful dessert on a beautiful table!!
Esta é uma das sobremesa que sempre faço. Experimente colocar junto chocalate amargo derretido. Fica muito bom.
Oh WOW, what a visual feast!! The best strawberries I've ever tasted were in Provence from a little road side fruit and vegetable stall. Your little desserts look perfect.
Anne xx
It's strawberry festival time – one of the sweetest times of the year.
This looks beautiful presented this way. Simple and elegant.
How wonderfully simple! Peerfect for summer. As always, your flower arrangements are outstanding!!!
I will have to make the strawberries with meringues. I just had strawberries and pound cake last weekend, but the meringues are so tempting! Of course, they are most beautiful, too.
I want to be invited (: but since that is not realistic, I will definitely try…thank you for a delish simple recipe …. love your photos and presentation! hugs Z
Shoot, I wish I had been one of the lucky recipients to be on the receiving end of eating one of your delicious desserts! They look delicious and the recipe is so easy to make. I love the added touches of the tea towel and the gorgeous fleurs, no doubt from your garden. Presentation at its best! 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
And how lucky your friends are! What a lovely taste of summer – as pretty as it is delicious. Sharon, I'll definitely be trying out your recipe with the yummy ripe berries that are just starting to pop up at the farmers' markets. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration! XO
Much prettier than Eton Mess. I will be trying this for a lunch outside- as soon as these temps drop here.
I'll throw a party if you bring that dessert! What a simply beautiful summer treat. Thanks for the idea!
You make me think I should move to France with every post. Not just move to France, but perhaps be your neighbor so we can cash in on all these great dishes and parties!
Hhhmmm these strawberry´s are looking very tasty!
Have a great weekend!
Nicole from Rêve en Blanc
simply lovely, sharon!
you are a good friend and a clever one at that!
I love me some strawberries! Richard
This looks so good. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos.
Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful sights you share with us,
I have always wanted to travel to France (and many other places as well) , but life seem's to have other plans for me.
I do however love the travel I can take because of you. Thank you1
Beautiful and yummy! Strawberries do evoke thoughts of Summer! Such gorgeous images!
Such gorgeous photos! I think this looks so elegant. Perfect on a hot summer day!
Jody
I can't decided which I like best….the beautiful floral arrangement or the dessert. Anyway I look at this post it's absolutely stunning!
Mmmm – delicious – and so simple – yet another winner Sharon!
Paula x
That looks just devine,, I just love strawberries and cream..who doesnt.
The basket of flowers is just beautiful to.
Tania.
Gnammy!!!! Have a nice day!!
Kisses
Stefy
This dessert is too yummy + roses + tea towel. What a fabulous way to present everything.
xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Yummy! This dessert looks so refreshing and not too difficult to try. I will try it for this summer. Have a great weekend.
Sweet post…loved everything about it!
MMMM I LOVE those strawberries:) Its the season for them in Sweden right now and I love to eat them with whipped cream:)
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis
Gorgeous pics, and scrumptious looking food too!
Brenda
Oh my this post is the essence of summer so beautiful!
Denise
Thank you for a lovely break in my day.
JoLynne
Delicious Sharon… those strawberries look perfect… WHat a wonderful guest you are… xv
Absolutely beautiful! The strawberry dessert looks so delicious. Your wonderful photos make everything irresistible. I truly enjoy your blog posts…