Blackberry Fool

This is a great summertime favorite that both the kids and adults devour. I especially love to make this recipe with the kids right after a nice day of berry picking at the local farm.

The sauce is made by macerating the blackberries with a little bit of sugar. Half of the berry sauce is mixed into the whipping cream and the other part becomes the topping.

This is a very flexible recipe that works well with all kinds of berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries). I do like to reserve a few whole berries to top the dish.

The recipe will yeild 4 servings. I usually aim to double this recipe since it is guaranteed to be gone.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint fresh blackberries, picked over and rinsed
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp confectioners' sugar, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Process:

1. Combine the blackberries and 2 table­spoons sugar in a medium-size bowl
   
   
2. Mix with a fork, gently squeezing about half of the berries to release some of their juice - do not mash all of the berries - leave some intact
   
   
3. Let the berries sit for about 20 minutes - stir once or twice to make sure that all of the sugar dissolves
   
   
4. Whip the cream with the vanilla and remaining tablespoon sugar with an electric mixer until the cream holds soft peaks
   
   
5. Fold in half of the blackberry mixture
   
   
6. Spoon the blackberry cream into 4 serving bowls
   
   
7. Spoon the remaining blackberries over each bowl
   
   
8. Serve immediately