The only Eton Mess recipes you'll ever need (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind the Eton Mess? ›

The creation of the recipe was a happy accident. The original recipe of strawberry, meringue and cream pudding was unintentionally dropped during a cricket match between Eton and Harrow in the 19th century. Instead of tossing the delicious ingredients, an Eton Mess came to be!

Eton mess is a traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries or other berries, meringue, and whipped cream. First mentioned in print in 1893, it is commonly believed to originate from Eton College and is served at the annual cricket match against the pupils of Harrow School.

The difference is in the dish

The flavors and textures of the British Eton mess are nearly the same, but the presentation is dressed down. In contrast to the picture-perfect pavlova, the dégagé Eton mess is served in a bowl or small jar with a spoon rather than on a dessert plate with a fork.

It is believed Eton Mess was first served at a cricket match between Eton and Harrow, and has continued to be served at this annual match at Lords ever since. In the 1930s, the sweet treat had become so popular, it was also being served in the school's tuck shop.

Eton today is a larger school than it has been for much of its history. In 1678, there were 207 boys. In the late 18th century, there were about 300, while today, the total has risen to over 1,300.

preparing the boys for the difficult times and displaying the accessible nature of the Christian faith, as a place of refuge and forgiveness. Services in both College and Lower Chapels follow the practice of the Church of England, with a mix of morning prayer, evensong and choral communion.

The legend, as The Runnymede Hotel details, is that the dish was created during a cricket match at Eton College, a fee-charging boarding school attended by sons of the upper classes, in the 1920s. A strawberry pavlova was made to celebrate the match, but a Labrador squashed it.

Until now, there were just a select handful of 'Old Etoniennes' among its alumni: 16 women who attended the school for one term in 1983, as they underwent preparations for their Oxbridge entrance exams.

The History of Eton

The name derives from Old English Ēa-tūn, meaning “River-Town”, a reference to Eton's proximity to the River Thames.

Eton Mess is a crunchy meringue layered with soft whipped cream and juicy strawberries. It tastes like clouds and it's super delicious to eat!

Why does pavlova flop? ›

Egg whites are cooked at 80 C so we know that the baking temperature has to be above 80 C. If the middle of your pav doesn't reach 80 C the marshmallow is not completely cooked & it will not be stable. Too much unstable marshmallow, the pav will collapse & it will weep.

Italian meringue has a soft and creamy texture that is considered the most stable of the three types. Because it holds its shape so well, you can typically find Italian meringue piped on desserts like baked Alaska or pastries.

Welcome to Eton College, a boarding school for boys aged between 13 and 18.

The Eton wall game is a game that originated at and is still played at Eton College. It is played on a strip of ground 5 metres wide and 110 metres long ("The Furrow") next to a slightly curved brick wall ("The Wall") erected in 1717.

What is Eton Mess? Well, this crowdpleasing trio of strawberries, cream and meringue is said to have originated at Eton College in the late 19th century after a pavlova-style dessert was dropped (or, some say, an over-excited labrador knocked the pavlova over…).

Most recognisable is the black tailcoat, or morning coat, which is worn over the top of a black waistcoat and pinstriped trousers. There is also a distinctive white neck tie. Although very traditional, the uniform has been modernised over time with each new headmaster, but still remains in the accepted style.

This community remembers those who went to Eton college. Over 1,000 old etonians were killed in the war.

At its heart sits an independent boys' boarding school which leads a dynamic range of educational activities and an expanding network of educational partnerships.