Mixed Berry Gratin

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Here's one from my high school friend Vicki:

I stopped at a fast food restaurant recently and noticed a sign
that offered Fat Free French Fries. I decided to give them a try.
I was dismayed when the clerk pulled a basket of fries from the
fryer which were dripping with fat. He filled a bag with these fries
and put them in my order.

"Just a minute!" I said. "Those aren't fat free."

"Yes they are. We only charge for the potatoes... the fat is free!"

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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The beauty of cooking with berries is that any berry can be
substituted for any other berry in just about any recipe with
excellent results. It therefore goes without saying that you can
use any type of berry that is fresh and in season for this classic
dish.

Mixed Berry Gratin

1 cup (250 ml) milk
1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground cinnamon
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
3 cups (750 ml) fresh mixed berries in season

Heat the milk and cinnamon in a small saucepan over moderate
heat just until it begins to steam. Meanwhile, whisk the egg and
yolk until foamy. Combine the sugar and flour and beat about
half the mixture into the egg. Add about half the milk, followed
by the remaining sugar mixture and the remaining milk, beating
after each addition. Place the mixture in a small saucepan and
bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking constantly. Remove
from the heat, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface,
and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour. About 20
minutes before serving, stir about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the cream
into the custard. Whip the remaining cream until it forms soft
peaks and gently fold into the custard. Place the berries in an 8-
to 10-inch (20-25 cm) gratin or baking dish and pour the custard
mixture over them, shaking the dish to distribute the custard
among the berries. Place 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) under a
preheated broiler (grill) until the top is lightly browned, about 10
minutes. Serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Fri Sep 22 08:28:20 2006