Eaton Mess : Here's A luscious Summer Dessert

This stunning , if oddly named , dessert was first developed in the 1930s at Eaton College outside London as a school snack.

4           cups prepared  mixed berries , divided

1/2        cup sugar  ( optional Equal)

1            tablespoon lemon juice

1  1/2    cups heavy cream

1            teaspoons vanilla extract

2            cups crushed store bought merinque cookies

If using blackberries , blueberries , raspberries or other similar berries , wash and leave them whole . Strawberries , on the other hand , need to be hulled and sliced.

Bring 2 cups of berries , along with sugar and lemon juice to simmer in  medium saucepan . Turn into a medium bowl and stir in remaining fresh berries . Refrigerate until chilled .

When ready to serve , whip cream and vanilla to soft peaks . Assemble in the following order :

Spoon a portion of half of the cream , merinque cookies and berries into each of four large goblets . Repeat ....( can cover and refrigerate several hours ) service

Yield : 4 serving ......

Hmmm , Hmmm   good.