Cherry and blueberry fools

Cherry and blueberry fools are an easy and pretty dessert for fourth of July or summertime fun. It’s Northwest cherry season! Fresh cherries are everywhere at the local farmer’s markets. Cherry and blueberry fools are a sweet, creamy dessert that uses fresh seasonal fruit, whipped cream and Greek yogurt. Serve them in a clear glass for a pretty and patriotic display.

Cherry and blueberry fools in clear 6 oz glasses

Have you ever heard of a fool?  I’m not fooling you. It’s a real thing.  A fool is a simple dessert served cold and made with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It is similar to a parfait but simpler. A parfait in America is generally a layered dessert served in a tall glass. It can contain any variety of things like fruit, whipped cream, yogurt, granola, jello or pudding.

Fruity, creamy and delicious cherry and blueberry fools

In this fruity cherry and blueberry fool, plain Greek yogurt is folded into freshly whipped cream. Yes, these could be made using only plain Greek yogurt if you like for a healthier version. However, adding in fresh whipped cream adds more volume and a dessert “WOW” factor. Does this look like breakfast to you? While I’m classifying these as a dessert, I wouldn’t blame you if you decided to eat any left-overs for breakfast topped with a bit of granola. I’ve been known to have dessert for breakfast in the past.

Whipped cream, blueberries and cherries

These pretty cherry and blueberry fools can be made with other fresh local fruit too. There are many possible combinations of delicious fruit.  Fresh fruit like strawberries sprinkled with a little bit of sugar would be delicious too. In this recipe, I decided to use up some fresh cherries.  I decided to cook down the cherries slightly. This is because cherries are a firmer fruit than something like strawberries or peaches. Cooking the cherries makes them a little easier to eat with a similar texture to the blueberries. The cherry sauce that accompanies the cooked cherries is also divine. The blueberries are fresh.

An easy layered dessert

I served these cherry and blueberry fools in a clear 6 oz juice glass. I had enough fruit and whipped topping for four rather large servings. Seeing the different layers of colorful fruit is what makes this dessert so pretty and festive. It’s perfect for a summer party time dessert. If you plan to make these for a party, I suggest using small clear plastic juice cups or specialty dessert cups and doubling the recipe. Small mason jars may work well also. The clearer the glass, the better for a beautiful display. You can make them a few hours ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. I found the fools taste best served the day that they are made.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this easy cherry and blueberry fool recipe. Have you ever heard of a fool before?

Happy cooking,
Michelle

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Whipped topping

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 6 oz container plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp confectioner’s sugar

Cherry filling

• 1 lb fresh cherries, pitted and sliced in half
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp corn starch

Blueberries

• 1 pint fresh blueberries

Whipped topping

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer ~ whip the heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the yogurt. Chill.

Cherry filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar. Add a tsp of water to the cornstarch and stir it up dissolving any lumps. Add this to the cherries. Over medium-high heat cook the cherries stirring frequently until the cherries soften and the liquid begins to thicken. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Reduce the heat as necessary to avoid burning. Add a splash of water if necessary. The juices from the cherries should release as they cook and it will thicken as it reduces. Allow this filling to completely cool before assembling. Transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled.

Layering the dessert

1. In 6 oz glasses, alternate with layers of fruit and whipped topping mixture. Handful of fresh blueberries, cherry filling, whipped topping. Repeat.
2. Chill until ready to serve. The dessert tastes best served the same day.

Source: northwestspoon.wordpress.com

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