The story is that an excitable Labrador dog that accompanied the prize-giving picnic at Eton created it back in the 1930s. The mutt sat on the hamper containing the strawberries and cream. The mess was scooped into cups and devoured by the boys just the same. It was only later that meringue was added. Bananas can make an easy strawberry substitute. It is still served at Eton during their June 4 picnic.

There is something un-ashamedly wicked about devouring this concoction. I struggled to finish it but I valiantly soldiered on through the sweet, crispy meringue. There is no better standby for a lunchtime treat.

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