What is Eton mess?
Eton mess is a traditional English dessert made from crushed meringue, whipped cream and strawberries. It is named after Eton College, the famous school near Windsor, where it is served at an annual cricket match.
The dessert has been associated with Eton College since the late 1800s. It is served at the annual cricket match between Eton and Harrow schools.
A popular story claims it was created when a pavlova was dropped and served anyway, though this is not proven.
A summer dessert
Eton mess is especially popular in summer, when English strawberries are in season. It is often served at garden parties and picnics.
Variations use raspberries, bananas or other fruit. The dessert is simple to make and does not require baking if ready-made meringues are used.
The word mess refers to the dessert's jumbled appearance.
Eton mess is one of the best-known English desserts and is served in restaurants and homes across the country.
It is often served in glasses or bowls so the layers of cream, fruit and meringue can be seen, and some recipes add a little sugar or liqueur to the strawberries.