Lately I have been entranced with the cuisine of the British Isles, thanks to conversations about cooking with my friend Iris. While many people jump to the stereotype that Great Britain offers only tasteless food, the nation boasts lots of folks who are cooking great dishes these days. Just think of Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater, Nigella Lawson, and Diana Henry, to name a very few. And, of course, there’s the Great British Bake Off, a show that has many of us exploring scones, trifles, and Chelsea buns.
About Fools
Although the dessert featured here is not baked, it is British in inspiration. “Fools” are simple desserts that combine whipping cream, sugar, and fresh fruit. They have been part of the British repertoire of sweets for over four centuries. This one, promising to give the classic fool “a contemporary twist,” appeared in the May 1993 issue of Bon Appétit.
The recipe starts with a white chocolate base that is briefly cooked in order to melt the chocolate. (The original recipe called for 6 ounces of white chocolate, but I discovered that my pantry had only a 4 ounce bar. I think it worked just fine.)
The lime juice and zest heat up along with the cream.
After cooling, the base is folded into freshly whipped cream that is slightly sweetened.
Adding Fresh Fruit
I followed the recipe’s recommendation of placing slices of kiwi fruit around the perimeter of a wine glass and layering fresh strawberries along the bottom. Then I continued layering the whipped cream mixture with the strawberries.
This dessert combines the flavors of key lime pie with white chocolate and fresh fruit in a delicious way. It’s also a really lovely, light finish to a meal. I have made it in the past with just strawberries or with a combination of blueberries and strawberries, with great results.
My friend Iris has recently returned to her home country of Ireland. Her inspired cooking and recipe sharing have opened new culinary doors for me. I’m glad that at her urging, I’ve discovered a sweet fool that I’ll be making again.
Lime Fool with Kiwis and Berries
Ingredients
For the lime base
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lime peel
- 4 ounces white chocolate such as Ghiradelli, chopped
For the whipped cream
- 3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
For the layers
- 2 cups strawberries --sliced and hulled
- 3 kiwi fruit peeled, thinly sliced
For the garnish
- 4 whole strawberries
- 4 lime slices
Instructions
For the lime base
- Bring first 3 ingredients to simmer over very low heat in heavy small saucepan.
- Add white chocolate and stir until smoothly melted.
- Pour into bowl. Place in refrigerator until cool but not set, about 25 minutes, stirring from time to time with a whisk.
For the whipped cream
- Beat 3/4 cup chilled whipping cream in a medium bowl to soft peaks.
- Add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold cooled white chocolate mixture into whipping cream, trying to keep as much volume as possible.
For the layers
- Place about 1/4 cup sliced strawberries in bottom of each of four 8-10 ounce wine glasses.
- Press 3 kiwi slices against sides of each of the glasses, using the berry base to prop them up. Spoon about 1/3 cup whipping cream mixture over berries in each glass.
- Add another 1/4 cup sliced berries.
- Spoon remaining whipping cream mixture over; smooth tops.
- Cover and chill at least 2 and up to 6 hours.
For the garnish
- To garnish, use a small knife to make lengthwise cuts in whole strawberries without cutting through stem ends. Fan 1 strawberry atop each dessert. Slide a lime slice onto the rim of each glass.
I have a fondness for sweet fools too!