Gary O’Hanlon, chef at Viewmount House in Longford shares a perfect summer dessert recipe, a summer cracker!

 

Eton Mess

An English classic that traditionally is made with strawberries it was served at Eton College at the annual cricket game against the pupils of Harrow School.

Bananas were also used and in fact initially it was made without meringue but that came about around the 1970s.

As time has gone on and as I often say, there are no rules in cooking. If you want to put your own little twist on things always feel free to do so. If you have any fruit left over or about to go off simply pick up some cream, meringue nests and away you go. It can be strawberry Eton Mess, banana Eton Mess,  blackberry Eton Mess or simply everything I found sweet in my fridge Eton Mess. A summer cracker.

Mixed Berry Eton Mess

Ingredients

1 meringue nest (store bought is fine or one you made yourself)

6 raspberries

4 strawberries

6 blueberries

6 blackberries

200ml cream

the scrapings of half a vanilla pod or 1 drop of vanilla essence

 

Method

Add the vanilla bean to the cream and whip to stiff peak

Add the cream to a bowl, break the meringue on top

Cut up the strawberries and add along with all the remaining berries. Keep the rest whole

Using a spoon mix the ingredients together gently

Spoon into a glass or bowl and serve

Serves one.

Simply add a little extra fruit and meringue to feed some friends. The cream quantity should be enough for 3-4 portions.