Featured Recipe for June - Strawberry Gratin

The meringue-like topping on the strawberries turns golden under the broiler, and the strawberries beneath warm just slightly as the meringue envelopes them. This makes a fancy dessert, but is quite simple to make.

2 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon raspberry liqueur (optional)
1/2 pound strawberries, green caps removed, halved lengthwise
1/2 pound raspberries
Preheat a broiler.

Put the egg whites in a bowl and beat with an electric beater until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Set aside. In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, combine 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the egg yolks and beat with an electric beater or whisk until frothy and thickened, about 10 minutes, scraping the sides occasionally with a rubber spatula. Remove from the heat and stir in the optional raspberry liqueur.  

Add a tablespoon of the yolk mixture to the egg whites, folding them together. Add in the rest of the yolk mixture, folding it into the egg whites. Divide the berries among 4 individual gratin dishes or ramekins and pour the egg mixture over them. Sprinkle each dish with a little of the remaining sugar.

Place under a broiler, about 4 inches from the heat source and broil until golden, about 4 minutes.

Serve hot or warm.

Serves 4