The spring season of 2015 has begun. Slowly from now on new seasons strawberries, asparagus, sugar snaps and all the other spring produce will hit the shelves. I had my first asparagus shoots of the year last week, and they were just as delicious as I remembered. The season is a bit later this year, delayed slightly by the cold weather. Asparagus can sometimes be found in August.
For a chef, seasonality breeds creativity. As a season ends, you have to create something new to replace it using what is coming into season. When I was in the UK cooking, produce arrives from the global markets, seasonality needn’t be a problem. You can get anything fresh, anytime of the year. This was amazing for menu planning, but easy to get stuck in a rut. That’s why in the restaurant I like to keep my eye on what’s fresh. I often look around the produce department to see what’s new. Of course now it’s bigger and newer it is so much easier.
Here’s an easy recipe to make the most of the new seasons strawberries.
Eton Mess
Ingredients:
- 500grams strawberries, hulls removed
- 400 ml cream, whipped
- 1 cup crushed meringue
- A tiny bit of vanilla bean paste, or essence
Method:
- Purée half the strawberries in a blender. Chop the remaining strawberries, reserving four for decoration.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in the strawberry purée and crushed meringue and vanilla. Fold in the chopped strawberries. Don’t stir too much, you want the marble effect. (For something a bit different, try drizzling melted dark chocolate through as you fold it. The chocolate will add a nice bitter finish.)
- Spoon equal amounts of the mixture into 4 cold wine glasses.
- Serve garnished with the remaining strawberries and a sprig of mint. It can be made in advance, however to keep the meringue crunchy it’s best to fold together at the last minute.
Spring has sprung!
Thanks to our Guest Blogger – Grant Dicker – Mint Dining Room
