Eton Mess

This pudding was invented at the famous English public School - it is a taste of summer in a bowl!

l lb fresh strawberries (or sometimes I use half/half strawberries and raspberries)

20 flu oz pot of extra thick double cream

8-10 small meringues, homemade if poss  (but I often buy the ready-made mini-Pavlova sized ones)

2 teaspoons of sugar

Dash of port or madiera (optional)

First blend half the berries into a smooth sauce with the sugar.  Marinade the rest of the fruits (larger strawberries should be cut into smaller pieces) with the Madiera or Port if you wish to use it.

 Break the meringues into smaller pieces (about an inch).  Beat the double cream in a large bowl, then carefully add the meringue pieces, then fold in the marinaded fruit.  Add the fruit sauce.  Spoon into serving glasses and serve. 

 Best assembled just before eating.

Although it is not traditional, I have also melted good plain chocolate in a bowl over simmering water and then poured it over the Mess.