Blackberry Bavarian, recipe no. 600!

Blackberry Bavarian: An Elegant and Refreshing Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines elegance with a refined taste? Blackberry Bavarian is exactly what we are looking for, a dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. With a recipe adapted from my personal recipe book from 1995, this dessert is not only a modern choice but also a tribute to culinary traditions.

Blackberries are wonderful fruits, full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and their combination with cream and gelatin creates a velvety texture, perfect for savoring on warm days. Whether you use fresh or frozen blackberries, they will provide an intense sweet-sour flavor, adding a splash of color to your table.

Ingredients:

- 300 g frozen blackberries (from the 2012 harvest!)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 300 g whipped cream
- 3 sheets of red gelatin
- For decoration: blackberry liqueur, fresh mint leaves, chocolate balls

I recommend using fresh blackberries if you can find them, but if not, the frozen ones are just as delicious. Also, the blackberry liqueur is optional, but it adds a distinctive note to the dessert.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the blackberry puree: Start by mashing the frozen blackberries using a stainless steel sieve to remove the seeds. This step is essential as it will give you a fine puree. You can use a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon to ensure you extract all the juice from the blackberries.

2. Boiling the puree: Place the extracted juice in a small saucepan, add the sugar, and let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. You will notice how the puree thickens, having a texture similar to thin jam.

3. Preparing the gelatin: While the puree is boiling, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 5-10 minutes. It is important to follow this step to activate the gelatin so that it dissolves easily in the warm puree.

4. Incorporating the gelatin: After the blackberry puree has cooled slightly, add the drained gelatin sheets. Mix well until the gelatin is completely dissolved in the mixture.

5. Whipping the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cream until you achieve a firm texture. This is the moment when you can add a little sugar if you prefer a sweeter cream.

6. Combining the mixtures: Using a spatula, gently fold the blackberry puree into the whipped cream. Use gentle up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the cream. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy Bavarian.

7. Pouring into the mold: Prepare a mold with a hole in the middle, which you can drizzle with a little blackberry liqueur for added flavor. Carefully pour the Bavarian mixture into the mold, ensuring that all ingredients are well distributed.

8. Cooling the dessert: Cover the mold with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This cooling time allows the gelatin to do its job, transforming the mixture into a delicious and firm dessert.

9. Unmolding the Bavarian: When it's time to serve, dip the mold in hot water for a few seconds (a step I omitted on my first try, but it works wonders!), then invert the dessert onto a plate.

10. Decorating: For a special look, decorate the Bavarian with fresh mint leaves and chocolate balls. These will not only add a visual contrast but will perfectly complement the dessert's flavor.

Serving suggestions:

The blackberry Bavarian pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruit tea for an elegant dessert at a special dinner. You can also add crispy cookies or nut cookies alongside, which will create a pleasant contrast of textures.

Variations:

For a personalized touch, you can experiment by adding other berries to the puree or replacing the blackberry liqueur with another type of liqueur, such as raspberry or strawberry. You can also try replacing the sugar with a natural sweetener to make the dessert healthier.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of blackberry Bavarian has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Blackberries are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, having important benefits for the immune system and digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of blackberries?
Yes, you can use any other berry, such as raspberries or strawberries.

2. How can I make the Bavarian less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener.

3. What can I do with leftover blackberries?
You can use the remaining blackberries to make a delicious sauce or a topping for pancakes and donuts.

This blackberry Bavarian is not only a refined dessert but also an opportunity to enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen, to explore flavors, and to share the joy of cooking with loved ones. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by culinary magic! Enjoy!