Easy Berry Mousse

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen berries

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. If you use fresh berries, add a couple tablespoons of water to a small saucepan and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the berries are softened. Frozen berries will already have enough water to aid in cooking. 

2. Cool for about ½ hour and pour cooked berries into a blender and puree for a minute or so. Set these aside.

3. Whip the heavy cream with a mixer or hand blender and add the sugar and vanilla when the cream has thickened. 

4. Pour the berry mixture into the whipped cream and fold gently. The berries do not have to be mixed uniformly with the whipped cream. The mousse is a little prettier if it is slightly variegated. Pour into custard cups and garnish with a piece of dark chocolate or a whole berry.

5. Refrigerate for a few hours. If you need to refrigerate overnight, cover the containers with plastic wrap.

6. Serve as a light dessert or afternoon snack.

The longer the shelf life of what you are eating, the shorter yours will be. Alejandro Junger