Gooseberry Fool

How to make this easy gooseberry fool recipe that’s spiked with fragrant elderflower. It’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe for an early summer get-together or barbecue. Serve with a very crisp biscuit.

Ingredients:

• 500g (1lb 4oz) gooseberries, topped and tailed
• 100g (3½oz) caster sugar
• 3 tbsp elderflower cordial
• 200g (7oz) double cream
• 100ml (3½fl oz) thick Greek-style yoghurt or crème fraîche
• Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

How to Make Gooseberry Fool:

1. Put the gooseberries, sugar, and cordial in a saucepan. Cook on high heat until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit is soft. Remove from the heat and reserve a quarter of the cooked gooseberries.
2. Blend the remaining cooked gooseberries in a blender or food processor, then sieve to remove the skins. Set aside to cool.
3. Whisk the cream in a bowl until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed from the bowl. Fold in the yoghurt and the blended gooseberries. Divide between six glasses.
4. Leave the glasses in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the fool to thicken.
5. To serve, spoon the remaining gooseberries over the top of the fool and decorate with mint, if using. Serve with honey melts.

Helpful Hints:

• You can use frozen gooseberries to make this dessert for a blast of summer flavor in the winter months.
• For an extra touch, drizzle some honey over the top before serving.

Perfect Pairings

Gooseberry fool pairs beautifully with crisp biscuits and other delightful desserts. Here are a few you might enjoy:

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: The nutty, rich flavor of these cookies complements the tangy sweetness of gooseberry fool.
• Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, sweet macaroons provide a delightful contrast to the creamy and fruity fool.
• Oreo Cheesecake Bars: The rich, creamy texture of Oreo cheesecake is a perfect match for the light and refreshing gooseberry fool.