Instructions: 1. Set the oven at 250 F/130 C/gas mark 1/

2.

2. To make the meringues, draw four 7in / 18cm circles on baking parchment.

Whisk four egg whites with 10z of icing sugar and the vanilla essence until thick and glossy.

3. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a plain nozzle, and pipe three rings of meringue on to the parchment, following the shape of the outlined circles. Pipe the remaining meringue on to the last circle and spread it out to make a flat disc for the base. Bake for 45 minutes.

4. Whisk the remaining egg whites and sugar until thick and glossy. Spoon the mixture into the piping bag fitted with a star nozzle this time.

5. Place the cooked meringue base on a lined baking tray. Using a little of the uncooked mixture from the piping bag, stick one of the cooked meringue rings on top of the base. Continue in the some way until all the rings have been used to form a basket. Pipe vertical stripes of meringue mixture from the bottom of the basket to the top ring, taking the mixture just over the top. Bake for 30 minutes.

6. Whisk the creams together, and fill the cooked meringue basket with alternate layers of cream and fruit. Finish with fruit arranged on top.

Note: The meringue must be served within 3 hours.

NOTES : Use any combination of fresh berries to make this stunning meringue gateau.

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