Easy & Delicious Fruit Desserts for One or Two People

Delicate and filling, fruits in season can be used to make a range of easy and delicious desserts for one or two people. Some of the recipes are ideal for preparing or cooking ahead, the day or night before. They can be stored in your refrigerator until ready for garnishing and serving.

Preparation time: 1 hour

(To serve 2 - double all quantities)

• 1 green apple

• 1 teaspoon tapioca

• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts, walnuts or almonds

• 1 tablespoon dried fruit - sultanas, chopped apricots or dates

• ½ cup fruit juice (apple, orange or grape)

• Pinch cinnamon

Method:

1. Core apple and score skin lightly to prevent apple bursting.

2. Place apple in pan or dish just large enough to hold it. Sprinkle tapioca around base of apple (not in core).

3. Spoon nuts and fruit mixture into cavity of apple. Any leftover fruit can be put into the bottom of pan.

4. Pour juice over apple and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake in oven at 350° F (180° C) for 45-60 minutes depending on the size and variety of apple. Serve warm or cooled, topped with the fruit.

Preparation time: 1¼ hours

(To serve 2 - double all quantities)

• 4 tablespoons thick (double) cream

• 2 teaspoons golden syrup

• 1 tablespoon rum

• 1 sponge finger

• Sliced strawberries or kiwi fruit (Chinese gooseberries) for decoration

• Juice of 1/2 small lemon

Method:

1. Pour cream into a small mixing bowl and mix in warmed golden syrup and rum. Slice sponge finger and place in the bottom of serving bowl.

2. Pour cream mixture over and cover with sliced fruit. Chill for 1 hour. Sprinkle lemon juice over just before serving.

Preparation time: 45 minutes

• 4 oz (125g) strawberries

• 8 oz (250g) fresh black cherries, stoned

• 1 green cooking apple, peeled, cored and sliced

• 4 oz (125g) sugar

• Sliced white bread or sliced raisin loaf

• Cream for serving

Method:

1. Put the washed fruit in a pan with the sugar (use more or less depending on how sweet the fruit is). Cover and heat very gently until the juice leaves the fruit, stirring constantly to prevent the fruit from sticking. Crush the fruit slightly with a wooden spoon.

2. Grease the inside of a small pudding bowl and line with thin slices of crustless bread or raisin loaf. Fill with the fruit and top with more bread or raisin loaf.

3. Grease the bottom of a small plate or saucer that will fit into the top of the bowl, place it on top of the pudding and put a weight on top of this. Chill overnight. Next day, turn out and serve with cream.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

• 4 oz (125g) strawberries

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1½ tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon gelatine

• 1 tablespoon hot water

• 2 egg whites

• Slivered almonds and extra fresh strawberries for decoration

Method:

1. Wash and hull strawberries. Puree strawberries, lemon juice and sugar. Sprinkle the gelatine over the water in a jug and whisk with a fork until dissolved. Cool and add to the strawberry mixture.

2. Beat egg whites until stiff, then fold into the remaining mixture. Pour into individual serving dishes. Chill until set.

3. Garnish with slivered almonds and extra fresh strawberries.

Variation

Apricot Mousse

Replace strawberries with ¾ cup apricot puree. Use fresh or canned apricots.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

• 1 sachet lime jelly crystals

• 1/3 cup boiling water

• 2/3 cup dry ginger ale

• 1/4 cup seedless grapes

Method:

1. Place jelly crystals in a large measuring jug, add water. Stir until crystals are thoroughly dissolved.

2. Add sufficient ginger ale to make 1 cup (250ml). Drop in grapes. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate overnight until set.

Substitute other fruit that is in season (apricots, bananas, peaches, pears) for variety.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

• ½ honeydew or rockmelon

• 4 oz (125g) strawberries

• ½ kiwi fruit (Chinese gooseberry)

• 1 cup fruit juice (unsweetened)

• Fresh mint sprigs to garnish

• Splash of soda water or Champagne (optional)

Method:

Simmer apple and/or rhubarb with a little water and a pinch of ginger for 5-7 minutes. Add sugar if necessary and serve with ice cream or baked custard recipe below).

Cooking time: 45 minutes

• 2 eggs

• 1½ tablespoons sugar

• 1 cup milk

• Ground nutmeg

Method:

1. Beat the eggs, sugar and milk well. Pour into a small greased ovenproof dish and sprinkle lightly with nutmeg.

2. Place in a baking dish filled with enough cold water to come half way up the sides of the dish and bake uncovered in a slow oven (300-350° F/ 150-160° C) until custard is set, about 45 minutes.

Serve hot or cold with canned or stewed fruit.