Eton Mess

Eton Mess Recipe - Traditional English Dessert

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that is perfect for summer. It is a delicious combination of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries that is both light and indulgent at the same time.

History

Eton Mess is said to have originated from Eton College, a prestigious boarding school in England. Legend has it that the dessert was created when a pavlova dessert was accidentally dropped, resulting in a messy but delicious treat that the students loved.

Ingredients

6 oz / 175 g caster sugar
3 large egg whites
1 lb / 450 g fresh strawberries, hulled
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 pt / 570 ml double cream

How to prepare

Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk until fully incorporated. Take rounded dessertspoonfuls of the mixture and place them in rows on a lined baking tray. Place the tray in the oven at 275°F/140°C for one hour. Afterward, turn off the oven and allow the meringues to dry out overnight, or until the oven is completely cold.
When you are ready to proceed, chop half of the strawberries and place them in a blender along with the icing sugar. Blend until smooth and then strain the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds. Chop the remaining strawberries and whip the cream until it reaches a floppy consistency.
Break the meringues into pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the chopped strawberries, whipped cream, and the strawberry purée. Gently fold all the ingredients together.

Variations

Try using different types of berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks to ensure a light and airy meringue.

- Allow the meringues to dry out overnight in the oven to ensure they are crispy and crunchy.

- Fold the ingredients together gently to maintain the light and fluffy texture of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Eton Mess is best served chilled and can be garnished with extra fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of crushed meringue on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique in Eton Mess is whipping the egg whites to form a meringue and folding the ingredients together gently to maintain the light and airy texture of the dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. You can also use store-bought meringues instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the meringues ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to assemble the dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Eton Mess can be served in individual glasses or bowls for a beautiful presentation. You can also layer the ingredients for a more visually appealing dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Eton Mess pairs well with a glass of champagne or a sweet dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Eton Mess is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the meringue may soften over time.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eton Mess contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Eton Mess is a dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the sugar in the meringue and icing sugar. Each serving contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in Eton Mess comes from the double cream used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 20g of fat.

Proteins

The protein content in Eton Mess comes from the egg whites in the meringue. Each serving contains approximately 3g of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Eton Mess is a good source of vitamin C due to the fresh strawberries used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Alergens

Eton Mess contains eggs and dairy, so it is not suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Eton Mess is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Eton Mess is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for summer. With its combination of crispy meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly in the sky as I strolled through the bustling streets of London. As I passed by a quaint little cafe, a delightful aroma wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

Intrigued, I stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of a beautiful dessert being served to a customer. Layers of whipped cream, meringue, and fresh berries adorned a glass bowl, creating a deliciously messy concoction that looked too good to resist. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delightful treat.

I approached the chef and begged him to share the recipe with me. He chuckled at my enthusiasm and agreed to teach me the secrets of his famous Eton Mess. We spent the rest of the day in his kitchen, whipping cream, crushing meringue, and tossing together a medley of ripe strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

As the sun began to set, we sat down to enjoy our creation. With the first bite, I knew that this dessert would become a staple in my collection of recipes. The sweet and tangy flavors mingled perfectly with the light and airy texture of the whipped cream, creating a symphony of taste that danced on my tongue.

From that day on, Eton Mess became a favorite among my family and friends. I would often whip up a batch for special occasions, using the freshest ingredients I could find to ensure that each bite was a burst of flavor. Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in new fruits and flavors to create unique twists on the classic dessert.

One particularly memorable version of Eton Mess featured a medley of tropical fruits, including mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. The bright and exotic flavors transported me to a faraway island with each bite, filling me with a sense of wanderlust and adventure.

Another variation that I loved to make was a decadent chocolate Eton Mess, where I would fold in rich chocolate shavings and drizzle dark chocolate sauce over the top. The combination of sweet and bitter flavors was a true indulgence that never failed to impress my guests.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, perfecting my technique and adding new recipes to my repertoire. But no matter how many new dishes I learned to make, Eton Mess remained a beloved classic that held a special place in my heart.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of vanilla and berries, I can't help but smile as I recall the day I first discovered the joy of making Eton Mess. It is a recipe that has brought me so much happiness and satisfaction over the years, and I am grateful to have stumbled upon it that fateful summer day in London.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a delicious and refreshing dessert, look no further than Eton Mess. With its simple yet elegant combination of ingredients, it is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. And who knows, maybe one day you'll have your own story to tell about how this delightful treat came into your life.