Shortcake And More

For 4 people, use 2 cups or more of raw, well-rinsed berries - strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or a combination.

Crush about half of them gently with a fork, just to set the juices running.

Add sugar to taste, depending on the berries' sweetness and ripeness.

Set them aside, covered, in a cool place for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.

Gooseberries, another old-fashioned favorite for fool, must be cooked first.

Stew 2 cups of gooseberries with about 1/2 cup of sugar just until the berries burst.

Taste for sweetness, and add more sugar if necessary.

Let cool before proceeding with the recipe.

Measure the crushed berries, and pour out an equal amount of whipping cream.

Beat the cream just until it holds a gentle shape.

Fold the berries into the cream so there is a pleasing contrast of dark berries and pale cream.

Serve in a large glass bowl or in individual sorbet cups.