Gooseberry and Elderflower Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) gooseberries 500g (1.1 lb) gooseberries
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) heavy cream 300ml (1 1/4 cups) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp elderflower cordial 2 tbsp elderflower cordial
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the gooseberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the gooseberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the gooseberries are soft and the sugar has dissolved, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gently fold the cooled gooseberries into the whipped cream.
5. 5.
   Add the elderflower cordial and fold until well combined.
6. 6.
   Transfer the mixture to serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gooseberries — Choose ripe and firm gooseberries for the best flavor. If fresh gooseberries are not available, you can use frozen ones as well. Adjust the sugar quantity based on the tartness of the gooseberries.
• Elderflower cordial — Use a good quality elderflower cordial to ensure a pronounced floral flavor in the fool.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the gooseberry mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pass the cooked gooseberries through a sieve before folding them into the whipped cream.
• Serve the fool chilled for the best taste and texture.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, depending on your preference.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as edible flowers or crushed meringue for added texture and visual appeal.

Serving advice

Serve the Gooseberry and Elderflower Delight chilled in individual glasses or bowls. Top each serving with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider layering the fool with crushed shortbread or digestive biscuits for a delightful textural contrast. Alternatively, you can serve it in a trifle dish, allowing the layers to be visible.