Classic Strawberry Fool

We can all be April Fools for strawberries, those gem-like little morsels of bright sweet flavor and antioxidant oomph. But when we use the word “fool” to describe a dessert, we’re talking about a traditional recipe that calls for fresh berries and whipped cream. Some versions make the berries into a simple puree with just a touch of liqueur, while the super-easy version just uses sliced berries.

Either one tastes absolutely sublime, so we included both. Here are the two simple ways to dress a strawberry for dessert:

Slightly Fancy Fool
2 cups fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or bourbon
Organic sugar, to taste (how much you use will depend on the sweetness of your berries)
1 cup whipping cream
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. After washing the strawberries, set aside 4 particularly pretty ones for garnish. Slice the rest, sprinkle with the liqueur and sugar, and allow to macerate, covered, for about 30 minutes.

2. Using a potato masher, gently mash the berries. Aim for a pulpy puree; we don’t recommend using a blender or food processor because it will liquefy the berries.

2. Whip the cream in a separate bowl until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream until combined. Spoon the fool into pretty parfait glasses and chill for 1 hour. Serve garnished with the reserved whole berries and a sprig of mint, if desired.

Serves 4.

Super-Simple Fool
2 cups fresh strawberries
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Organic sugar, to taste
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. Wash the strawberries, reserving 4 especially pretty ones for garnish. Slice the remaining berries.

2. Whip the cream until it holds soft peaks. Add vanilla extract and sugar to taste and whip lightly until combined.

3. You can use two methods to assemble the Super-Simple Fool:

a. Spoon the strawberries gently into the whipped cream, then pour the mixture into pretty parfait glasses.
b. Spoon some of the berries into the bottom of 4 parfait glasses, then add a layer of whipped cream. Continue adding layers of berries and whipped cream, ending with whipped cream.

4. Chill fool for 1 hour. Serve garnished with the reserved fresh berries and a sprig of mint, if desired.

Serves 4.