Blackberry Fool Dessert

What will come from the briar but the berry? -Irish proverb

Blackberry Fool Dessert Aug. 8, 2022.

The scent of blackberries fills the air as I make my way down our property to pick berries. Blackberries hold a special childhood nostalgia for me as I remember my mother picking blackberries and making homemade cobbler with them. She grew up picking berries as did her mother as well as my immigrant husband, creating a family legacy of berry pickers. Over time this legacy has evolved into a spiritual one of perseverance: two different families from opposite sides of the world, both struggling through poverty. Carefully, I tuck my hand between the leaves, trying to avoid the thorns and grab the juicy ripe berries just past. And therein lies the sting of it: you must make your way through the thorns to get the sweet fruit. The Creator made sure to impart plenty of spiritual lessons when it comes to the garden.

Some berries require a yank; some berries fall easily into my hand, too easily as they are too soft for the freezer. These I pop into my mouth. They are already warm and sweet and fragrant in the morning hour. Of all the berries, the blackberries are my favorite. They appear at the height of summer and sweeten the hot and sticky days with their rich perfume. I take my bowl of berries plus some fresh scratches back up to the house. They were going to go into the freezer, but I thought better of it. How about a blackberry fool dessert?

Blackberry Fool Dessert

Fruit and whip cream is an old dessert that dates back centuries. The Gooseberry Fool can be found back in cookbooks as far back as the 17th century although it has been referenced a couple of centuries earlier. It seems fitting to enjoy a light blackberry fool dessert in the heat of August with its heavy air. It is easy to make and great for company. Also, this dessert is easily adjustable to suit tastes

Blackberry Fool Dessert

Note: Makes approx. 4 cups of dessert. Recommended portions for this rich dessert: 1/2 cup. Will serve approximately 8-10 people.

2 cups of blackberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup of sugar

2 cups of heavy whipping cream

2 tbsps. of powdered sugar (or to suit taste)

Garnish ideas: fresh blackberries, pesticide-free violets, and mint leaves.

If desired serve with shortbread.

Start by placing blackberries and sugar in deep microwavable bowl. Microwave for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Allow this mixture to cool completely. Later, when the berry mixture is cooled, beat heavy whipping cream into stiff peaks adding the powdered sugar. Stir the blackberry preserves into the whipped cream. For presentation I spooned dessert into ziploc gallon bag and cut off end to pipe into dishes.

Have a beautiful day!