I'm not sure how I never came across Eton Mess (otherwise known as Ambrosia) until I was in my teens at a family friends batch in Hahei but since then I've always thought it was genius as it bought the best of desserts together in a messy very non structured fun way and tastes delicious, summery and light.

Here's how I make mine with just store bought meringues, of course making the meringues yourself is better if you have time to prep before Christmas Day but this is the cheats way:

300 ml Cream
300 grams Vanilla Yoghurt 
2 Punnets of strawberries
2 handfuls of marshmallows
A Packet of meringues
A cup of Frozen Mixed Berries
1 tspn sugar

Double or triple the recipe for a larger batch.

Whip your cream, please don't over whip ! Fold in the yoghurt, I use Kelo or the Collective brand as they are thick and delicious and not too sweet. Cut your strawberries into quarters and add 2/3 of them in (save the other 1/3 to put on the top) 2 handfuls of marshmallow, this is a preference thing if you aren't really into marshmallow use less and I would recommend chopping these up or you get mouthfuls of marshmallow, making it too sweet. Then crush your meringue up and lightly fold it all together. Leave some larger chunks of meringue in there for texture!

I then cook the Frozen Mixed Berries off in the pan until they turn into a sauce consistency with a sprinkle of sugar bring to the boil briefly then reduce and simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat, allow to cool and put in a separate bowl until ready to serve then drizzle over the top.

So why is it called Eton Mess? Well as the story goes the creation of the recipe was a happy accident. The original recipe of strawberry, meringue and cream pudding was unintentionally dropped during a cricket match between Eton and Harrow in the 19th century. Instead of tossing the delicious ingredients, an Eton Mess came to be! Also referred to as Ambrosia this very easy and messy looking dessert is a classic take a long dish to a classic kiwi BBQ and the kids love making it ! You can adjust the recipe as you wish as it can't really go wrong.

Head to our instagram reels to watch a messy video of Seb helping me make it!

Pictured in the Viva Bowl