bet king

T his is a creative way 🌻 to use up egg whites that isn't a pavlova. And it includes blackberries, which I always think are one of 🌻 the last gifts of summer. This blackberry parfait is strikingly beautiful, so much so that it can be served simply 🌻 on its own (either in scoops, or set in a loaf tin and sliced) or with a few extra fresh 🌻 blackberries on the side for sharpness and a plate of these thyme shortbreads.

🌻 Parfait de blackberries con cortadas de tomillo

You will need a sugar thermometer for this 🌻 recipe.

Prep: 25 min 🌻
Cook: 35 min 🌻
Chill/rest: 20 min 🌻
Freeze: Overnight
🌻 Serves: 6

🌻 For the parfait
150g blackberries
🌻 90g egg whites (from 3 medium eggs) 🌻
160ml double cream
150g 🌻 caster sugar

For the thyme biscuits (makes 12)
🌻 280g plain flour
🌻 A pinch of flaky salt 🌻
120g salted butter 🌻 , cold and cubed
130g 🌻 caster sugar , plus more to finish 🌻
3 sprig s of 🌻 thyme , leaves only
🌻 2 egg yolks
12 skin-on almonds
🌻 Fresh blackberries , to serve

Blend the blackberries 🌻 until smooth (it's fine to keep the seeds in). In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a bowl 🌻 with an electric whisk), whisk the egg whites until frothy and thick. Whip the double cream in a separate bowl. 🌻

In a small saucepan, warm the caster sugar with 70ml water. When the syrup reaches 🌻 115C, quickly go back to the egg white bowl and whip again at high speed. When the syrup reaches 121C, 🌻 carefully pour it down the side of the bowl into the egg whites (avoid pouring it on to the whisk), 🌻 then whisk again until the mixture has cooled. You have now made Italian meringue.

In 🌻 a large bowl, fold together the blended blackberries, the Italian meringue and the whipped double cream a third each at 🌻 a time, until completely combined. Pour the mixture into a container with a lid and freeze overnight.

🌻 For the shortbread, heat the oven to 180C (160C fan)/350F/gas 4. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. 🌻

In a bowl, combine the plain flour and salt. Using your fingers, rub in the 🌻 butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar and thyme leaves, followed by the egg yolks. Bring 🌻 the dough together with your hands, adding a splash of water if needed.

Rest the 🌻 dough in the fridge for 20 minutes, then divide it into 12 equal pieces and rolling each one into a 🌻 small ball. Arrange these spaced out on the prepared baking tray, press an almond into the middle of each one, 🌻 and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.

🌻 Serve a scoop of blackberry parfait with a shortbread alongside, and garnish with fresh blackberries.