gooseberry fool :: recipe

The smell and taste of summer are perhaps personified in simple puddings like strawberries and cream or gooseberry fool. It just so happens that the gooseberries and the elderflowers are ripe at the same time and it  is also fortuitous that we have both growing in the garden. It's such a simple recipe- one of Sarah Raven's from her much used Garden Cookbook. Put the gooseberries, elderflower heads and sugar together in a saucepan with a splash of water, bring to the boil and then simmer until the berries are soft (not long). Whip the cream while you're waiting and then put it back into the fridge. When the scented syrupy berries are cool, fold into the chilled cream. I also made some meringues and broke them into the fool for a bit more texture. This, eaten on a warm summer's evening sitting out until the first stars make their appearance, is surely one of the joys of living.