English Summer Berry Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) 500g (4 cups) mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) heavy cream 300ml (1 1/4 cups) heavy cream
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until the berries release their juices and become soft, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. 2.
   Once the berry mixture has cooled, transfer it to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gently fold the berry puree into the whipped cream until well combined.
5. 5.
   Divide the mixture into serving glasses or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Berries — Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor. If fresh berries are not available, frozen berries can be used as a substitute. Thaw them before cooking.
• Heavy cream — Ensure that the cream is cold before whipping to achieve the desired texture. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can result in a grainy consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, to the berry puree before folding it into the whipped cream.
• Serve the Fruit Fool with a sprinkle of crushed shortbread cookies or toasted almonds for added texture.
• Experiment with different combinations of berries to create your own unique flavor profile.
• To make it more indulgent, drizzle a little chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the berry puree for a longer time or pass it through the sieve multiple times.

Serving advice

Serve the English Summer Berry Delight chilled in elegant glassware to showcase its vibrant colors. Top each serving with a fresh mint leaf for a touch of freshness. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a buttery shortbread cookie for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To create an appealing presentation, layer the whipped cream and berry puree in a glass, alternating between the two. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. The contrasting layers will make the dessert visually enticing.