Similar in content to a classic pavlova, basic Eton Mess consists of fresh strawberries, whipped cream and meringue. It is simple to make and a fantastic addition to a barbecue or garden party.
Eton Mess Recipe
To make classic Eton Mess you need:
- 2 large handfuls strawberries
- 284ml pot whipping cream
- 2 large handfuls meringue pieces / nests
Take four or five of the strawberries and crush with a spoon to make a thick sauce. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Stir the strawberry sauce into the cream to colour and flavour it. Halve the remainder of the strawberries and break the meringue into chunky pieces. Just before serving, stir the meringue pieces and strawberries into the cream.
If you prefer your meringue chewy, mix the dessert together 30 minutes before serving and refrigerate.
Raspberry Eton Mess Recipe
Raspberry Eton Mess is a sophisticated and indulgent version of this classic dessert. To make it you need:
- 2 large handfuls raspberries
- 284ml pot whipping cream
- 2 large handfuls crunchy ameretti biscuits
Make a quick raspberry sauce by crushing seven or eight of the raspberries. Whip the cream to soft peaks and swirl in the raspberry sauce. Break up the amaretti biscuits. Stir the raspberries and the biscuits into the cream just before serving.
Eton Mess Variations
Eton Mess is a flexible recipe that rewards experimentation. It can be made with chopped bananas in place of strawberries, with excellent results.
A sharper and healthier variation can be made by using crème fraiche in place of the whipped cream.
A delicious alternative that makes an excellent dinner party dessert is to use a mixture of strawberries and raspberries, lemon zest, with crumbled shortcake biscuits in place of the meringue. Spoon the mixture into tall glasses garnished with a mint leaf.
Frozen Eton Mess
In the peak of the summer, you can make a cooling variation of Eton Mess using vanilla and / or strawberry ice cream in place of the whipped cream.
For a fun twist on the recipe, serve this frozen Eton Mess in large ice cream cones!
“Tidy” Eton Mess
As seen in some restaurants, the Eton “Tidy” contains all of the components of Eton Mess served individually on a platter. Serve chopped strawberries alongside a bowl of whipped cream and a neat pile of mini meringue nests.
Whichever variation you choose, Eton Mess is a hugely popular dessert and a great way of enjoying all of those healthy berries!
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Ben Taylor - Ben is an aspiring travel writer, competent cook, Microsoft certified techno-geek, music obsessive, and recent migrant from rainy London ...
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