'GREEN MAN' ~ A SIMPLE FOOL

"The first of April, some do say,

Is set apart for All Fools' Day.

But why the people call it so,

Nor I, nor they themselves do know.

But on this day are people sent

On purpose for pure merriment."

~ Poor Robin's Almanac, 1790

~ Green Man

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A SIMPLE FOOL

"A 'fool' is a traditional British dessert made of mashed fruit with cream or whipped cream, sometimes cooked, sometimes not. Gooseberries are a favorite. Although there have been some 'fool' recipes without fruit, it's thought that the dish known as a 'fool' began as mashed fruit with cream, as it is now. Therein lies a clue as to how it got the name 'fool': It's thought that the name 'fool' came from the French word 'fouler', which means 'to mash'."

~ Alan Davidson

(The Penguin Companion to Food)
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3 cups fresh berries
2-4 Tbsp. granulated or powdered to taste
2 1/2 cups whipping cream
splash or splashes of Chambord (raspberry liquor), kirsch, port or Madeira wine
fresh mint

Mash (DO NOT USE FOOD PROCESSOR) berries with sugar, reserving a few perfect berries for garnish. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Add splash of Chambord or other liquor and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into puree, leaving streaks. Chill well. Spoon into parfait glasses and garnish with mint leaves and reserved berries. ( serves 8 )