April [strawberry] Fool

A fool is an old English dessert consisting of pureed fruit, sugar, and whipped cream. Traditionally, a fool is made with gooseberries, apples, or raspberries. Here’s our springtime strawberry version of the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar, or other fruity balsamic [optional]
1 tsp Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste
1 Cup heavy whipping cream

STEPS

Combine sliced strawberries in a bowl with the sugar, allow to macerate [get juicy] for at least 30 min.* Add 1 Tbsp Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar to mixture, if desired.

Mash strawberries with a pastry blender or potato masher. Pureeing with a blender or food processor is not advised, since that would liquefy the fruit. You want the sugary fruit mixture to be more chunky-textured.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine whipping cream and Vanilla Paste. Using an electric mixer and whisk attachment, whisk at highest speed until whipped cream is light and fluffy, about 2 min.

Gently fold strawberry mixture into whipped cream. Spoon into parfait glasses, and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Yield: about 4 desserts

*If using very tart fruits like gooseberries, or fruits that require pre-cooking, like rhubarb, stew the fruit. Use more sugar, and heat the fruit-sugar combination with 1/4 cup water in saucepan on the stove, and simmer until fruits are cooked and soft. Allow to cool at least 1 hour before moving on to next step.