Martin's Foam Cream Sauce for Strawberries and Meringue

This is a delightful sauce that is like a cross between a Sabayon (or Zabiglione) without any alcohol and a Pavlova. It's also a lot like what's called Eton Mess in England, but the creamy egg sauce is richer and I think a bit more sophisticated. It was served by Martin at my birthday party and I fell in love with it and have been meaning to share it with you ever since. If you want a special dessert sauce for strawberries, you need to try this one. It's fabulous!

Martin’s Foam Cream Sauce for Strawberries and Meringue

½ cup sugar

6 egg yolks (pasteurized)

2 cups of heavy whipping cream

4 cups of Strawberries, washed, trimmed and cut into half

1 Large Meringue (recipe below), broken into bite sized pieces (or use meringue cookies from Trader Joes)

Heat sugar until melted and barely caramelized (just turning color) and cool to room temperature.  Put into a large bowl. Then add to the egg yolks and beat until creamy.

Whip cream without sugar until soft peaks form.  Fold into the egg mixture very gently until just blended.

Break meringues into bite sized pieces and place at the bottom of serving dish.  Then pour the sauce over.  Drop in Strawberries and serve immediately.

Optional Variations:

Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules to whipped cream for Mocha Sauce

Add ½ teaspoon of grated orange peel to the whipped cream plus 1 shot of Grand Marnier to the Egg Sauce

Meringue Recipe

4 room-temperature egg whites


Pinch salt


1 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar


2 tsp. cornstarch


1 tsp. white vinegar


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper.  Put egg whites and salt in a large bowl and whip with a mixer on medium until frothy. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until whites form stiff peaks.  Gradually add sugar while mixing and then increase the speed to high and beat until egg whites are stiff and shiny. Sprinkle cornstarch and vinegar over the egg whites and then gently fold them in.

Spoon meringue onto the parchment gently and create about a 10-inch circle.  Place in the middle of the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees.  Bake for one hour.  Then turn off the oven and leave meringue in until it is completely cooled off – this may take 3 – 4 hours.  

Five Element Analysis

Eggs belong to the Water Element so that element is covered as is the Earth Element since this is a sweet dessert. The strawberries bring in the Fire Element and the Cream brings in the Metal Element. Only the Wood Element is missing so be sure to serve this after a meal that includes those kinds of food - like plenty of green vegetables or chicken.