In this week’s post, local Nelson chef and guest Blogger, Grant Dicker offers recipe inspiration so you can take advantage of the new season berries arriving in store. Take it away, Grant…
Yesterday, I found myself in our back garden gorging on new season cherries. This month, I’ve chosen cherries over all the other new season berries because they scream summer, There are, of course, so many new delicacies hitting the product section, it can seem overwhelming. Blueberries, strawberries and of course the early season raspberries are coming into full swing.
New season berries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, iron and flavour. Their refreshing flavour pairs beautifully with sparkling wine. So here’s a refreshing grown-up dessert to try. Any sparkling wine will do, from Chardon to Champagne, and with the colour of the berries showing through the jelly, it looks fantastic. It’s a great entertaining dessert as it’s easily made in advance.
Prosecco and berry jelly
- 8 gelatine leaves or 3 teaspoons of gelatine powder
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 100 ml water
- 50 g sugar
- 450 ml Prosecco
- 200 g mixed new season berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, cherries and blueberries (use local Nelson berries)
- Extra berries to garnish if required
- Whipped cream and mint leaves to decorate
Method
In a bowl put the gelatine in the water and let it soften. Put the lemon, sugar and gelatine in a saucepan, warm over a low heat and stir until dissolved. Leave briefly to cool. Then slowly stir in the Prosecco, you should have about 600 ml of liquid.
Divide the fruit between six wine glasses, enough to just cover the fruit. Cover the glasses and chill until the surface is just set, this holds the fruit in place, so it doesn’t float to the surface.
Top up with the remaining jelly, which can be quickly warmed to soften if it has set, cover and chill until set.
When the jellies are fully set, place berries on top of the jelly, and pipe on just a bit of cream to finish, and a sprig of mint to garnish.
For a great alternative for those wanting alcohol free, simply use a lemon jelly packet and berries and follow the same assembly method.
Don’t forget to head to Fresh Choice Nelson for your new season berries.
Christmas Wines