French: Fresh Berries with Strawberry Coulis

Recipe by Paul Young <info@cooking-with-paul.com>

(serves 2)

Coulis is French for a pureed sauce usually made with fruit or vegetables. Fruit coulis is a popular way to make a healthy dessert dish that requires no cooking. Fresh fruit is best, but frozen fruit will also work. The addition of orange liqueur is what makes this sauce French. For extra zest, enhance with a bit of citrus and something sweet, then serve with fresh fruit, ice cream or whipped cream. This dessert can be made in under 5 minutes (also see video).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries* (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons Cointreau (or Grand Marnier)
• 1 squeeze lemon juice (or sub lime juice)
• 4 tablespoons (approx) sugar (or sub agave nectar)
• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh)
• Whipped cream or ice cream (optional)
• Garnish with fresh currants (optional)

Procedure:

1. Make the coulis: in blender, add strawberries, Cointreau, and lemon juice, puree until smooth; strain through sieve (if desired)
2. Add Cointreau, lemon juice, sugar; pulse until blended
3. Taste and adjust sweet/sour balance (if needed)
4. To serve: pour ½ of the sauce on a plate, add fresh fruit on top of sauce; repeat
5. Top with whipped cream or ice cream (if desired)
6. Garnish with currants (if desired)

* Coulis can be made with any fruit; depending on the tartness of the fruit, adjust sweetness as needed