Desserts
Eton Mess
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) Strawberries, hulled
- 2 tbsp Caster sugar
- 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) Double cream
- 100 g (3 1/2 oz) Meringue nests or shells, crushed
- a few Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Method
- Roughly chop about three-quarters of the strawberries and place in a bowl with the caster sugar; mash lightly with a fork and let macerate for 15 minutes.
- Slice the remaining strawberries for garnish.
- Whip the double cream in a separate bowl until it holds soft peaks; do not overwhip.
- Fold the macerated strawberries and their juices into the whipped cream, leaving some ripples rather than mixing fully smooth.
- Gently fold in the crushed meringue, keeping some larger pieces for texture.
- Spoon the mixture into serving glasses, layering in the sliced strawberries as you go.
- Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Introduction: A informal dessert of crushed meringue, whipped cream and strawberries, Eton Mess takes its name from the prestigious Eton College, where it has traditionally been served at the annual cricket match against Harrow School, and is prized for its simplicity and its deliberately messy appearance.
Cultural Background: A informal dessert of crushed meringue, whipped cream and strawberries, Eton Mess takes its name from the prestigious Eton College, where it has traditionally been served at the annual cricket match against Harrow School, and is prized for its simplicity and its deliberately messy appearance.
Storage: Best assembled and eaten immediately, as the meringue softens on standing; components can be prepared separately and refrigerated for a few hours beforehand.
Reheating: This is a cold, no-cook dessert and is not reheated.
Tips: Whip the cream only to soft peaks, as overwhipped cream turns the dessert heavy rather than light. Assemble just before serving, since the meringue softens quickly once mixed with the cream and fruit.
Variations: Other soft berries, such as raspberries, can replace or supplement strawberries. A splash of elderflower cordial folded through the cream adds a floral note. A vegan version uses whipped coconut cream and vegan meringue. For a vegan version, use whipped coconut cream in place of dairy cream and vegan meringue (made with aquafaba) in place of traditional egg-white meringue, keeping the strawberries and assembly method the same.
Nutrition: Calories: 340 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Carbs: 26 g | Fat: 24 g
FAQs:
Q: Why is it called a ‘mess’?
A: The dessert is deliberately assembled with a rough, informal folding technique rather than neat layering, giving it a charmingly messy appearance that inspired its name.
Q: Can I make my own meringue for this recipe?
A: Yes, homemade meringue can be used, though ready-made meringue nests or shells are commonly used for convenience and work just as well once crushed.
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