Whip up a strawberry mousse
This spring has been a surprisingly good one for strawberries in my garden. Our strange weather combination this year seems to have paid off in big juicy berries that now are ripening in the May sunshine.
12 ounces) will go into the mousse.
So I continue trying out recipes to show them off. This strawberry mousse fills the bill for ease — no baking! — and for fresh flavor. Make it ahead, in pretty bowls, juice glasses or half-pint Mason jars, but top it at the last minute with four of your best-looking whole berries. What a treat!
Strawberry mousse
Serves 4 (easily doubled)
Ingredients:
3/4-pound fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
4 additional large berries, reserved for garnish
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions:
Slice the washed and hulled berries, then place the slices a blender or food processor. Add the 1/4 cup sugar and the lemon juice. Blend the combination until smooth.
Reserve 1/2 cup of this puree. The remainder of the puree, about 1 cup, will be used in the body of the mousse.
To make the mousse, pour the 1 cup heavy cream into a large chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip it for about 1 minute, then add the 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.
awaiting the mousse on top.
Gently pour the 1 cup of berry puree into the bowl over the whipped cream. Fold the puree into the whipped cream by hand, then mix it in with the mixer, on low at first, then gradually increasing the speed until the mixture is thick.
Now prepare the servings: Give the 1/2 cup reserved puree a quick stir. Place 2 tablespoons of the puree into the bottom of each of four 8-ounce bowls or jars. Spoon the cream/berry mixture on top, being careful to maintain the two-layer appearance.
Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mousse at least 1 hour. A few hours longer or overnight is OK.
When ready to serve, uncover the bowls, then top each mousse with one large whole strawberry.
