Berry Gratin with Elderflower

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Description

French Berry Gratin, a quick yet elegant summer fruit dessert with fresh berries in an elderflower sabayon and toasted under the grill.

Ingredients

• 400 g (14oz) mixed fresh berries organic
• 3 egg yolks
• 50 g (1.75oz) sugar
• good pinch vanilla powder (or 1/2 tsp extract)
• 2 tbsp elderflower cordial or syrup (or Saint Germain liqueur)
• 100 g (3.5oz) whipping cream

Instructions

• Divide the mixed berries between 4 ovenproof dishes and spread them out in a single layer.
• In a bowl, whisk together the yolks, sugar and vanilla until light and creamy (about 5 minutes). Continue to whisk, adding the cordial/syrup and the cream until well mixed.
• Pour over the fruits and place under a hot grill for just 2 minutes until the cream is toasted but not burned.  You could also use a blowtorch instead.
  Serve immediately -  or prepare a couple of hours in advance, chill then reheat in a warm oven at 140°C for about 5 minutes.

Notes

There are countless floral variations to this recipe: replace elderflower cordial/syrup with violet or rose syrup. Or replace the syrup with 25g more cream and infuse with lavender or lemon verbena.