Traditional Eton Mess

 

Over in the UK, Strawberries and Wimbledon go together like peas and carrots.  Generally speaking when Wimbledon is being played it is at the very height of the strawberry season.

Pims, Strawberries and Wimbledon. The trinity of seasonality in July in the UK.   One favorite dessert to make with fresh berries in July is the Traditional Eton Mess. 

 

 

Crunchy Meringues, softly whipped cream, fresh strawberries, nothing says summer more than this easy and delicious dessert!  It is a dessert tradition that goes way back to the late 1800's.

It is said to have been created to serve at an annual cricket match at Eton College, which is a private school which both Prince William and Prince Harry attended. The son of a friend of mine also attended Eaton on a scholarship.

 

The first written recipe came about in 1893 when Queen Victoria was in attendance to a pre-wedding party for her eldest son. At that time it was called, Eton Mess aux Fraises. This embodies the penchant of British aristocrats to want to label their haute cuisine as being French.  Translated to English It merely means Eton Mess of Strawberries.

The loose way in which the dessert is amassed is what makes it a "mess."  And a very tasty mess it is indeed!  You can read more about the history of this very traditional dessert here.  

 

 

Essentially it is a stir together of softly whipped cream, broken crisp meringues and fresh strawberries. Sometimes a bit of brandy or even a liqueur is whipped into the cream.  The berries are cut in half or chopped.

There is no need for sweetener as the meringues on their own are quite sweet, and if you pick the right berries, they are also nice and sweet.

Originally the dessert was made with either strawberries or bananas and mixed with either ice cream or cream. Broken meringues were a later addition.

Whatever its origins, one thing remains the same, it is a quintessential summer dessert that is delicious simple, easy and quick to make!  You can use other fruits, but strawberries are traditional.

 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE TRADITIONAL ETON MESS

Basically only three simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time.  That is if you use ready made meringues, obviously if you make your own meringues from scratch it will take longer. Quantities are for two servings. To serve more people simply double or triple.

• 3 individual meringues
• 1 cup (240ml) whipping or double cream
• 1/2 pound (250g) fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled and chopped
• Whole fresh strawberries to garnish

 

HOW TO MAKE TRADITIONAL ETON MESS

It really could not be easier.

Wash and hull your berries, reserving a few of the nicer looking ones for the garnish. Chop the remainder of them.

Whip the cream just until it is softly held. Do not overwhip it. You don't want it to be rigid. Always stop beating just before you think you have to.

Crush the meringues. Fold 2/3 of them into the whipped cream.

Have ready two dessert cups. (I like to use Bonne Maman jars.)

Layer the whipped cream, berries and crushed reserved meringues in the glass jars. I like to begin and end with the cream.

Top each dessert with a whole washed berry to decorate. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you are so inclined and really want to give your Eton Mess a bit of a kick you can beat 2 TBS of brandy with the cream.

 

This really is one of my favorite summer time desserts. Perfect for entertaining, it is quick, easy, and delicious, it always goes down a real treat whether you are serving one person, two people or a dozen people.  I have NEVER had anyone turn up their nose at this!

Our strawberries are almost finished here now.  Just the stragglers left. You might be able to get this dessert in just in time before they are all gone!

 

Some other desserts in The English Kitchen which are very similar that you might also enjoy are:

CLARE COLLEGE MUSH - This particular recipe varies somewhat from the traditional Eton Mess in that it uses a mixture of yogurt and whipped cream, with a splash of Raspberry liqueur to fold the fruit and meringues into. Simple and delicious.

BANOFFEE MESS -  A simple variation which uses crushed meringues, sliced banana, toasted pecans and toffee sauce.  A deliciously moreish splodgy mess!  Bet nobody will be turning this one down!

Yield: 2

Author: Marie Rayner

Eton Mess

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

As English in the early summer as trifle and summer pudding, this is one of the easiest desserts to make. Double quantities to make 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 3 individual meringues
• 1 cup (240ml) whipping or double cream
• 1/2 pound (250g) fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled and chopped
• Whole fresh strawberries to garnish

Instructions

1. Wash and hull your berries, reserving a few of the nicer looking ones for the garnish. Chop the remainder of them.
2. Whip the cream just until it is softly held. Do not overwhip it. You don't want it to be rigid. Always stop beating just before you think you have to.
3. Crush the meringues. Fold 2/3 of them into the whipped cream.
4. Have ready two dessert cups. (I like to use Bonne Maman jars.)
5. Layer the whipped cream, berries and crushed reserved meringues in the glass jars. I like to begin and end with the cream.
6. Top each dessert with a whole washed berry to decorate. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you are so inclined and really want to give your Eton Mess a bit of a kick you can beat 2 TBS of brandy with the cream.

I have a recipe here to make perfect meringues. Just leave off the almonds. Or use ready made meringues.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @marierayner5530 on instagram and hashtag it #marierayner5530

This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com. 

 Thank you so much for visiting! Do come again! 

 Follow my blog with Bloglovin