Fresh Fruit Dessert

Whoa!!! We are on berry overload here. For last night's party I brought a huge caprese salad (which disappeared quickly) from tomatoes and basil from our garden. We were invited to another party tonight. For tonight's party, I'll take advantage of all the fresh berries that are everywhere.

A couple of years ago I purchased a trifle bowl. Why? Impulse purchase, I guess. Anyway, I thought the layers of cake, berries, and whipped cream looked so pretty in the trifle bowl... If you don't have a trifle bowl, use any glass pan/dish you have. The point is to have the layers visible.

FRESH FRUIT DESSERT

Make a pound cake from scratch. The recipe I use is off of the Food Network and is called "Southwest Georgia Pound Cake" courtesy of Paula Deen at www.foodnetwork.com. However, the internet is chock-full of pound cake variations. You can purchase pre-made pound cake at the supermarket if you're desperate for time, but it just doesn't have the same taste and freshness.

Purchase (or pick depending on where you live and time of year) a variation of berries. Today I have fresh blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. If berries are out of season, you can cheat by purchasing a bag of frozen berries.

Whip up some fresh whipped cream. Get the little carton in the dairy section and make it yourself. The flavor does not compare to pre-made. You will need an electric mixer to whip it up. Tip: Use a chilled glass bowl when whipping cream. I like to add a few drops of vanilla and about a teaspoon of sugar to my whipped cream when it's just about done whipping.

After the pound cake has cooled, cut up into portions that will cover the bottom of your trifle bowl or serving dish. Place some berries on top (slice the strawberries as they are just too chunky). Cover with a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers. Garnish with a few berries and a couple sprigs of fresh mint if you happen to have it.

Cover and keep your dessert in the frige until ready to serve. For presentation, do not create the layers too soon before your event. Sometimes the berry colors will bleed and run -- especially if you're using frozen berries. It doesn't effect the taste, just the presentation. OR another serving variation is to just make individual servings on a plate. Solicit a couple of volunteers to help cut the cake, sprinkle some berries on, and top with the whipped cream and serve.

I like to make this dessert as it has a wide range of appeal. Small kids to adults love it. I always take it as a compliment when my food disappears:) It usually does. I love to make people happy with food.

Wow.... I took several paragraphs to say "pound cake, fresh berries and whipped cream." Sorry for the rambling post.... I guess you could say that I'm into cooking.