Cocktail hour - what’s on our minds?  

What is your experience with Eton mess?

Gretchen can tell you about where she first had Eton Mess

Eton Mess - What is it?

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. Eton mess is occasionally served at Harrow School, where it is referred to as Harrow mess.

Lancing mess (which uses bananas) is a similar dessert that is served throughout the year at Lancing College in West Sussex.

History

Eton mess was served in the 1930s in the school's "sock shop" (tuck shop), and was originally made with either strawberries or bananas mixed with ice-cream or cream.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. An Eton mess can be made with many other types of summer fruit, but strawberries are regarded as more traditional.

The word mess may refer to the appearance of the dish, or may be used in the sense of "a quantity of food", particularly "a prepared dish of soft food" or "a mixture of ingredients cooked or eaten together". 

• 20 Species exist originating from the northern hemisphere

• They grow in a vast range of climates from Arctic Finland to Ecuador 

• The seeds on the surface of the strawberry are tiny dried fruits and the fleshy bits are the base of the flower (Similar to the artichoke heart!)

• Strawberries do not improve after being picked, which is why strawberries in the stores are often disappointing versions. They have to be picked early to keep structural integrity for shipping.

• According to OFAC - strawberries often have ethyl esters that smells like pineapple? I have seen that the white strawberries I grow do have a faint tropical note. 

• Our Modern concept of the strawberry is from 2 types that were originally from north America. European strawberries are what are generally referred to as “wild” or “alpine” strawberries these days.

• Wild Strawberries are usually no bigger than a finger nail and have the same size seeds as 

A little Meringue Talk

That you add the sugar in at different times to achieve different results. 

For Light Consistency beat to a stiff foam and then fold in the sugar.

For Creamier firmer type of meringue sugar is added during beating.

*What to do with your strawberry tops!

Steep them in vodka

STRAWBERRY TOP VODKA – Wit & Vinegar

Strawberry Top Vodka

Makes 12 oz 

Strawberry tops from 1 pound of strawberries, about 1 cup 

1 1/4 cup vodka 

In a glass container like a mason jar or rinsed out juice bottle that’s at least 2 cups, combine the strawberry tops and the vodka. Put the lid on and give it a shake. Set on the counter and let the fruit infuse for 2 days, don’t really need to go longer than that, then strain and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Use in whatever drink you’d normally use vodka in for a nice strawberry zing zing.

Ingredients 

1 1/4 cups whipping cream

1 tablespoon caster sugar (or fine sugar)

1 2/3 cups ready-made meringues

3 cups fresh strawberries

Recipe Source

Eton mess recipe | BBC Good Food

Eton mess - Wikipedia

Classic Strawberry Eton Mess Recipe

Special Equipment 

Hand Mixer for whipping the cream