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Eton Mess (English)

english-etonmessThere are some foods which evoke a perfect summer's day, and a classic English Eton mess is one of them. This quintessential British dessert must be included in any list of strawberry recipes. The dessert is quick and easy to make and makes great use of ripe strawberries at the height of summer when they are plentiful. Frozen or tinned strawberries simple do not work as it is the freshness and scent of summer ripened fruits which make this dessert so special. Traditionally the dish was served at Eton College but how it came to have the name is not clear. One story is a Labrador dog sat on a picnic basket in the back of a car and squashed a strawberry and meringue dessert. One thought was the "mess" was a rather delicious dessert, and the name stuck. Even if this is not true, it is a sweet story.

1¼ cups whipping cream
1 Tbsp. caster or fine sugar
1 2/3 cups ready-made meringues
3 cups fresh strawberries

Place whipping cream in a large mixing bowl, add sugar, and whip with an electric whisk until cream is light and fluffy. Do not over whip. The success of the dish requires softly whipped cream. The peaks should stand up with tips gently falling over for correct consistency.

Break meringue into large, bite-sized chunks and gently stir into cream. Don't worry if some of the meringue crumbles.

Place half of the strawberries into another large mixing bowl and press gently with the back of a fork to break up strawberries slightly and release some of the juice. Do not be too heavy handed with the squashing, as you do not want a puree.

Stir strawberries gently into the cream.

Halve and then quarter remaining strawberries.

Place cream mixture into a 7" trifle or glass serving dish. Top with strawberry pieces.

Chill for 30 minutes in refrigerator, then sprinkle with icing (confectioners') sugar before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

Cook's Notes:

  • Eat Eton Mess on the day it is made as if stored the meringues start to soften very quickly.
  • The traditional Eton Mess is made with strawberries, but it is possible to use other fruits. Rhubarb Mess is a great example, and raspberries also work well but be careful not to squash them too much.
  • For more variation, you can also switch the cream, to a flavoured one.