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.