A dish from Jane Grigson

Gooseberry Fool

Stewed gooseberries folded into whipped cream, an old English pudding of sharp fruit and soft cream.

Serves 4

By Jane Grigson

The fool is one of the oldest English puddings, and Grigson liked it made with gooseberries, whose tartness keeps the cream from cloying. The fruit is barely sweetened and only partly folded in, so the two elements stay distinct.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 lb gooseberries

Dairy & Eggs

  • 1 1/2 cup heavy cream

Pantry / Durable

  • 1/2 cup sugar

Other

  • 2 tbsp elderflower cordial

Method

  1. Top and tail the gooseberries and stew them with the sugar and a splash of water until they collapse. Let them cool.

  2. Whip the cream to soft peaks and stir in the elderflower cordial, if using.

  3. Fold the cooled fruit through the cream, leaving streaks rather than blending it smooth.

  4. Spoon into glasses and chill for an hour before serving.

Adapted from English Food. View a published recipe at BBC Good Food (opens in a new tab)

Served at

Dinner at Carrier's · London, England

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