This is a HUGE favorite in my house.  It's a perfect summer dessert.  Eaton Mess is an old English dessert that I grew up on, all of a sudden it's come back in vogue and I'm seeing Eaton Mess all over the place.  Just in case you didn't already know, this dessert is said to have originated at the boys public school Eaton (where Prince William and Harry went to school).  Apparently the students were served meringues, strawberries and cream and they mushed the whole thing up and it tasted wonderful  even though it looked a mess - hence the name - Eaton Mess.

I like to use a combination of berries, some people use rhubarb or even pomegranates - so please yourself!  I do enjoy making meringues so I used my own, click here http://insideabritishmumskitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/meringue

 for a lovely meringue recipe.  However if you're running short on time (as I invariably am) use store bought meringues.  It's not quite as good - but still pretty delicious.


You will need;

Meringues, homemade or store bought

1 carton of strawberries, cleaned and hulled
1 carton of blueberries
2 cartons of raspberries
1 tablespoons of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of sugar
8oz of double cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
a sprinkle of sugar

To make the raspberry sauce;

Place the raspberries, water, vanilla extract and sugar in a saucepan.  Heat and bring to a gentle simmer.  Cook until the raspberries are very mushy. 

Drain through a sieve and put the liquid into the fridge to chill.

Break the meringues up into pieces and place in one big bowl.  Whip the cream, vanilla extract and sprinkle of sugar to just between soft peaks and stiff - but not too stiff.

Add gently to the meringues.

Add the strawberries and blueberries to the mixture and stir gently to combine.

Place into pretty individual serving glasses.  Drizzle over the raspberry sauce and top with a sprig of mint.