Eton Mess: A Simple Summer Joy

There are some recipes that feel less like cooking and more like a happy accident. Eton Mess is one of them. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t ask for perfection. In fact, its charm lies in its, well, messiness. It’s a classic British treat that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. With just a few good ingredients, you can whip up a taste of summer that feels both fancy and wonderfully humble.

What You'll Need

• 500g (about 1 lb) of fresh strawberries
• 300ml (about 1 ¼ cups) of double cream or heavy whipping cream
• 4-5 ready-made meringue nests
• A dash of ginger cordial (optional, but lovely)
• A few fresh mint leaves, for garnish

That’s really it! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have ginger cordial? A drop of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of icing sugar works just as well. Raspberries can stand in for strawberries later in the season. It’s all about using what you have.

Putting It All Together

• First, take half of your strawberries and purée them in a blender until smooth. Set this aside.
• Next, chop the remaining strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces, but be sure to reserve four of the nicest looking ones for decoration later.
• In a large bowl, whip the double cream until it forms soft, billowy peaks. Be careful not to over-whip it.
• Now, gently fold the strawberry purée into the whipped cream. You’ll get the most beautiful pale pink colour.
• Take your meringue nests and crush them roughly with your hands. Fold these pieces, along with the chopped strawberries and a dash of ginger cordial (if you’re using it), into the cream mixture. Try to keep some texture—you want pockets of crunchy meringue and juicy berry.

The Finishing Touch

Spoon equal amounts of the mixture into four chilled wine glasses or small bowls. The cold glasses help everything stay a little bit firmer. Top each one with a reserved strawberry and a small, fresh sprig of mint. The mint isn’t just for looks; that little aroma as you lean in to take a bite is part of the magic.

And that’s it. You’re done. There’s no baking