So, now when I live in Slough I cycle pass Eton on my way to work in Windsor. And I always wonder if this is the place where Eton Mess (meringue, whipped cream and berries dessert) originates from. So I came up with my own theory for it (prepare yourself for a long story)...
I will start by saying that Eton is filled with college boys (from age 13) that are running around like other normal kids, except that they are dressed in tail coats (otherwise called morning coats, which makes them look overly formal). I found that quite ironic (you know... kids look odd when they are put in boundaries like that) so I thought of this theory: As a prestigious college, Eton college only served the most delicately presented deserts in their canteen.... however, one day one boy rebelled and said "enough is enough" and completely destroyed (and ate) a piece of "Pavlova" on his plate which later became so popular and started to be called "Eton Mess" . Ok, maybe this story is not as long as I thought, but it is not so far away from original theory. After a little bit of Googling I found out that "Eton mess" was served in the 1930s in the school's "sock shop" (tuck shop), and was originally made with either strawberries or bananas mixed with ice-cream or cream. Meringue was a later addition!
Eton Mess is really easy to make and there are so many versions of it. This is my version:
ETON MESS
Ingredients: 4 egg whites
225g caster sugar
200ml double cream
1/2 pack of strawberries
1/2 pack of grapes
1. preheat the oven to 100C. Whisk egg whites while gradually adding sugar until it is thick and glossy. Lay it on the parchment paper and bake it for around 1 1/2hours (really watch it, because it really depends on the oven on how long it takes to bake)
2. meanwhile, whip the double cream and chop straberries
3. Mix baked meringue, whipped cream and berries together and spoon it into the sundae glasses.
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