Meringue Mess With Rhubarb and Strawberries

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Make the meringues: Heat oven to 200 degrees. Put egg whites in a mixing bowl. Beat at high speed until thickened and foamy, then gradually add sugar and continue beating until whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks, about 10 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place 6 to 8 large spoonfuls of whites on it, 2 to 3 inches apart. Flatten meringue blobs slightly with a knife and bake for 1 hour. Reduce temperature to 150 degrees and bake for 1½ hours, until dry and crisp. If time permits, leave meringues in turned-off oven overnight to dry thoroughly. Cool and store in an airtight container.

3. Step 3

   Cook the rhubarb: Put rhubarb in a nonreactive saucepan, add sugar, cinnamon and cloves, and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently; it should become juicy and syrupy in a few minutes. Lower heat and continue cooking until rhubarb is tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

4. Step 4

   Whip the cream in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar, leaving it quite soft, almost pourable. Add rose water if using. Break or cut meringues into 1-inch pieces and add to bowl. In a separate bowl, combine strawberries, rhubarb and all juices and toss to coat. Add strawberry mixture to meringues and cream. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together.

5. Step 5

   Transfer to a serving bowl or individual dishes, sprinkle with pistachios and garnish with mint leaves.