Chilled Faux Strawberry Souffle'
Not really a souffle....but it looks like one. This creation needs to be chilled thouroughly overnight.
16-20 oz. fresh strawberries
2 - 1/4 oz. envelopes of plain gelatin
1 1/4 c. sugar
6 eggs separated
1 t freshly squeezed lemon juice
pinch of salt
1 1/4 c. whipping cream
Choose your best berries to save for garnish later - 6 is adequate. Puree the remaining berries to make about 2 c. of puree. Using a heavy saucepan, combine the gelatin, 3/4 c. sugar and the egg yolks. Using low heat, gradually add pureed strawberries and continue stirring until mixture thickens. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, beat egg whites with salt and remaining 1/2 c sugar until shiny stiff peaks are formed. In another bowl, whip cream until it forms soft peaks and fold it into the egg whites. Do not over stir. Gently fold in strawberry puree. Spoon mixture into a serving dish, mounding it high - making it appear as a souffle. Chill it overnight and before you serve - garnish with the reserved berries.
serves 6