Strawberries and Cream Dessert

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make a strawberries-and-cream dessert? Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries and rinse them well. It's best to wash them with the stems still on, or they'll soak up water and turn watery. After washing, pull off the stems and dry the berries on paper towels.

2. Step 2:

   

   Pour heavy cream (33% fat or higher) into a deep bowl and start whipping on low speed at first. Work carefully so it doesn't splash. For the cream to whip up well, it needs to be very cold, so chill it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. I put the bowl and the beaters in the freezer too.

3. Step 3:

   

   Add the powdered sugar and keep whipping; you can also add a little vanilla to taste. Turn the mixer up and continue whipping.

4. Step 4:

   

   Whip until the beaters leave clear tracks in the cream - this usually takes me about four minutes. Don't overdo it, or you'll end up with butter.

5. Step 5:

   

   Cut the washed strawberries however you like - I cut them into halves and quarters.

6. Step 6:

   

   For convenience I put the cream in a piping bag, but that's optional - a spoon works fine.

7. Step 7:

   

   Take your serving glasses and start layering. At the very bottom I added a little strawberry jam - the recipe doesn't call for it, but I think it tastes better that way; do as you like.

8. Step 8:

   

   Then a layer of cream.

9. Step 9:

   

   Then the cut strawberries.

10. Step 10:

    

    Cream again, then jam and strawberries. Finish with a cap of cream, a few strawberry pieces, and a mint leaf. This is just my take on the look and garnish - assemble and decorate however you like; either way it'll be delicious! Enjoy!