Cape Gooseberry Fool

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 3⁄4 cup cape gooseberries, halved (reserve 1⁄2 cup)
• 1⁄2 pint heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germaine
• 10 gingersnap cookies, crushed
• Picked mint or shiso leaves, for garnishing
   

1. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is pale amber, about 5 minutes. Add 11/4 cup of the gooseberries and reduce the heat to medium. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until the gooseberries are just softened but holding their shape. Remove from the heat and cool completely.

2. Pour the cream into a medium bowl and whip to stiff peaks. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cooked goose-berries and syrup into the whipped cream. Place a few of the reserved fresh berries in the bottom of four small serving glasses or bowls. Fill the glasses with the whipped-cream mixture and pour a tablespoon of elderflower liqueur over each serving. Top with some crushed gingersnap cookies. Garnish with the remaining reserved goose-berries and a few leaves of mint or shiso. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings

Learn More: Chef Edward Lee's take on gooseberries and currants.