Pineapple Fool

A "fool" is an English dessert, featuring pureed stewed fruit stirred into whipped cream. If you want to make a traditional version, you'll have to seek out gooseberries, but pineapple gives this take on it a tropical flair. For the whipped cream, I recommend Soyatoo's whippable soy topping, which will hold its texture and volume unlike the vegan whipped cream from a spray can.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (1-inch) cubed pineapple
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger
• 1/4 cup vegan brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups whipped Soyatoo whippable topping*

1. Combine the pineapple, water, and ginger in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Add the brown sugar and lemon juice.  Cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until syrupy.

3. Transfer the pineapple mixture to a blender and process until smooth.  Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill.

4. Set aside 1/4 cup of the chilled pineapple mixture  Fold the whipped topping into the remaining chilled pineapple mixture, and spoon 1/2 cup of this mixture into each of 6 glasses.  Chill.

5. Just before serving, top each serving with 2 teaspoons of the reserved pineapple mixture.

*To prepare the whipped topping, beat with a hand mixer for about 3 to 4 minutes. Use 2 cups for this recipe, and set aside the remaining whipped cream for another use (vegan ice cream sundaes come to mind).

Nutrition Info:
6 servings (1/2 cup whipped cream mixture, 2 teaspoons pineapple topping), Calories 114 

Tasting Notes:
Oh my goodness, this was like eating an airy pineapple cloud. Every bite is smooth, creamy, and full of bright pineapple flavor with just a hint of ginger. It would even be better if frozen a couple hours first, to be mid-way between the consistency of whipped cream and ice cream (much as with my Frozen White Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse), but that doesn't stop this from earning a "5." The pineapple topping tastes much like pineapple jam, only not quite as thick or sticky. The only reason this dessert earns the name "fool" is because you'd be one not to make it.

Rating:
5