Eton mess facts for kids
A plate of Eton mess
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| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Created by | Eton College |
| Main ingredients | Strawberries, meringue, cream |
Eton mess is a yummy and famous English dessert. It's a mix of fresh strawberries, crunchy meringue, and soft whipped cream. People first wrote about this dessert in 1893.
Many believe Eton mess came from Eton College, a famous school in England. It's often served at the yearly cricket match between students from Eton College and Harrow School. Sometimes, Harrow School serves a similar dessert, but they call it "Harrow mess."
Contents
What is Eton Mess?
Eton mess is a simple yet delicious dessert. It combines sweet strawberries, light and airy meringue pieces, and smooth whipped cream. These ingredients are gently mixed together, creating a delightful texture.
While strawberries are the most common fruit, you can also make Eton mess with other summer fruits. Some people use raspberries or blueberries.
How it Started
Eton mess was served in the 1930s at Eton College. Students could buy it at the school's "sock shop," which was like a snack bar. Back then, it was made with either strawberries or bananas. It was mixed with ice cream or cream.
The crunchy meringue was added later to the recipe. This made the dessert even more interesting to eat.
Similar Desserts
There are other desserts similar to Eton mess. For example, "Lancing mess" is a dessert served at Lancing College in West Sussex, England. This version usually uses bananas instead of strawberries. It is enjoyed throughout the year.
What Does "Mess" Mean?
The word mess in "Eton mess" can mean a few things. It might describe how the dessert looks, which is a bit jumbled or "messy." It can also mean "a quantity of food." Think of it as "a prepared dish of soft food" or "a mixture of ingredients cooked or eaten together."
Eton Mess in the News
Sometimes, the name "Eton mess" is used in the media to describe other situations. For example, commentators might use it to talk about disagreements within the UK Conservative Party. This is because many politicians from that party went to Eton College. The term is used to suggest a confusing or jumbled situation, much like the dessert's appearance.
