.png)
ETON MESS
Dating back to the late nineteenth century, Eton mess is a quintessentially British dessert consisting of whipped cream, crumbled meringue and strawberries. The dish is traditionally linked with Eton College, Windsor which is undoubtedly what elevated its fame today.
Known as Eton Mess since the nineteenth century, the first mention of "Eton Mess aux Fraises" dates from a royal garden party in 1893 as described by historian Arthur Beaven. The party was attended by Queen Victoria, her grandson Prince George and his betrothed, Princess Mary of Teck on the eve of their marriage.
An Eton Mess recipe was not formally written down until the early 1920s when it became popularised, however, the ingredients remained the same.
The meringue recipe noted below is from a Apple Hedgehog recipe in Mrs Beeton's Book of Cookery and Household Management (1861)
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Serves:
2
Ability:
Easy
Ingredients:
For the Meringue*:
2 Egg Whites
1/4tsp Cream of Tartar
100g Caster Sugar
25g Flaked Almonds
For the Topping:
1 Pullet of Fresh Strawberries
150ml Whipping OR Double Cream
*or you can use pre-made meringues
Equipment:
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Whisk or Hand Mixer
Spatula
Baking Tray
Parchment
Chopping Board
Knife
Directions:
For the meringue:
-
Preheat the oven to 180c.
-
Beat the egg whites in a bowl with a whisk until soft peaks form. Add in the creme of tartar as this helps to stiffen it.
-
Pour in the sugar and ground almonds and continue beating until adequately stiff peaks form.
-
Spoon out the meringue onto a lined baking tray into little piles and spread them out slightly.
-
Bake for 20 minutes then lower the heat to 160c and continue baking until the meringue has turned pale and slightly crispy.
-
Remove from oven and let cool for several hours.
For the topping:
-
Cut up the strawberries into quarters and set aside
-
Whip the cream in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks have formed and the cream has doubled in volume.
-
Begin assembly of all your components. This is best done by breaking up the meringue and then dollop on the cream and berries to resemble a 'mess'.
-
Enjoy.
Video Tutorial Here
not taking your fancy?
why not try something else?...
Marmalade
(1806)
A sweet and tangy preserve to get your taste buds tingling! Try this recipe now!
Lemon Cheesecake
(1861)
Definitely not a cheesecake in a way we know it to be. Try this simple recipe and experience History!
Scones
(1890)
The perfect tea-time treat, whether you put the jam or cream on first.