Summer Berries on a Cloud of Chantilly Cream

BecR's Note:

Sweet ripe fresh berries nestled in airy clouds of Chantilly cream. Simple, yet elegant. This is a lovely light and romantic dessert that's gorgeous served in pretty dessert glasses or a glass trifle dish, strewn with pink rose petals.

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups fresh strawberries , sliced (or fresh berries of your choice)
• 8 fluid ounces whipping cream , well chilled
• 2 tablespoons your favorite liqueur (try Madeira, Sherry, Amaretto, Grand Marnier or Limoncello)
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar , sifted (confectioner's sugar)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1/2 teaspoon rose water)
• 1 cup sponge cake , cubes (optional)
• chocolate curls , to garnish (or lemon curls or sliced almonds or pink rose petals)

Directions:

1. In a chilled bowl with chilled beaters, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken.
2. Add the liqueur, icing sugar, and extract, whipping constantly until soft peaks form. Do not over-beat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Right before serving, alternately layer the fresh berries with the Chantilly cream, and the cake cubes (if using) in dessert glasses or a trifle dish.
4. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a berry.
5. Garnish with your choice of chocolate or lemon curls, sliced almonds or pink rose petals, as desired.