Eton Mess

Eton Mess is a traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped cream. First mentioned in print in 1893, it is commonly believed to originate from Eton College and is served at the annual cricket match against the pupils of Harrow School.

History

The exact origins of Eton Mess are unclear. The dessert was first mentioned in print in 1893, and it is commonly believed to have originated from Eton College. It is traditionally served at the school's annual cricket match against the pupils of Harrow School. However, other sources suggest that the dessert was a staple of other college feasts long before this tradition began.

Ingredients

Eton Mess is made from three main ingredients: strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream. The strawberries are typically hulled and quartered, the meringue is broken into pieces, and the whipped cream is often sweetened with a little sugar. These ingredients are then mixed together to create a messy, hence the name, but delicious dessert.

Variations

While the traditional Eton Mess recipe calls for strawberries, many variations exist. Some recipes substitute other types of berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for the strawberries. Others add additional ingredients, like bananas or peaches, to the mix. There are also variations that incorporate different types of meringue, such as chocolate or pistachio meringue.

Serving

Eton Mess is typically served in individual dishes, but it can also be made in a large dish and served family-style. It is often garnished with additional fruit or mint leaves. While it is traditionally a summer dessert, it can be enjoyed year-round.

See also

• List of English desserts
• List of strawberry dishes
• Pavlova, a similar dessert from New Zealand and Australia