Skip to main content

Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Rose Petal Mess

Image may contain Food Creme Dessert Cream Plant and Ice Cream
Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Rose Petal MessMarcus Nilsson

Use store-bought meringues and skip the first step, if you prefer.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

Meringues:

2 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Assembly:

3/4 cup crème fraîche
1/2 cup mascarpone
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)
6 ounces strawberries, hulled, halved if large
1 pint strawberry or raspberry sorbet
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses or 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1 teaspoon ground sumac
2 teaspoons dried rose petals (optional)

Ingredient info:

Sumac is available at specialty foods stores, and pomegranate molasses is available at some grocery stores. Both are available at Middle Eastern markets.

Preparation

  1. Meringues:

    Step 1

    Preheat oven to 200°. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites until foamy, about 1 minute. With mixer running, gradually add granulated sugar. Continue to beat until meringue triples in volume, is shiny, and holds medium-stiff peaks, 8–10 minutes. Add powdered sugar and beat just to blend.

    Step 2

    Spoon 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet; repeat to fill baking sheet, spacing 1" apart. Bake until dry, about 4 hours.

    Step 3

    Do ahead: Meringues can be baked 5 days ahead. Keep airtight at room temperature.

  2. Assembly:

    Step 4

    Whisk crème fraîche, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and rose water, if using, in a medium bowl.

    Step 5

    Arrange meringues, crème fraîche mixture, strawberries, and scoops of sorbet in a large bowl. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses and top with pomegranate seeds, sumac, and rose petals, if using.

Read More
This isn’t competing with a brownie. It’s in a class of its own.
Fall dreams are made of this. Who are we to disagree?
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
Canned pumpkin, you shouldn’t have!
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.