If you’re looking for a delicious and easy summer dessert, look no further than Eton Mess. This classic English dessert is a delightful combination of whipped cream, meringue, and fresh berries, and is perfect for a warm summer evening.
A quick brief before getting into the secret recipe…
Eton Mess is believed to have originated in the late 19th century at Eton College, one of England’s most prestigious boys’ schools. Legend has it that it was served at the school’s annual cricket match against rival school Harrow, and that it was originally made with strawberries, whipped cream, and meringue.
Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include other fruits, such as raspberries and blackberries, and variations have been created with ingredients like yogurt and lemon curd. However, the basic recipe remains the same: a mixture of whipped cream, meringue, and fresh fruit, all mixed together into a delightful, messy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy and stiff.
Add the white wine vinegar and cornstarch and whisk gently to combine.
Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating small mounds.
Bake the meringues for 1 hour or until they are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks.
Crush the meringue into small pieces and gently fold it into the whipped cream.
Add the mixed berries to the cream and meringue mixture, reserving a few for decoration.
Spoon the Eton Mess into serving dishes and top with the reserved berries.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips for making Eton Mess
- Make sure the bowl you’re using to whisk the egg whites is completely clean and free of any grease. Even the tiniest amount of grease can prevent the egg whites from forming stiff peaks.
- It’s important to bake the meringues at a low temperature for a long time to ensure that they are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Use whatever combination of berries you like or have on hand. Eton Mess is also delicious with sliced bananas or peaches.
- For an even quicker version, use store-bought meringue nests instead of making your own.
Over all, Eton Mess is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for summer. Its origin can be traced back to Eton College in England and it’s a dessert that’s enjoyed all over the world. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create your own delicious Eton Mess at home.