Fruit Basket

Fruit Basket Recipe from Romania - Delicious Dessert with Strawberries, Cherries, Apricots, and Grapes

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fruit basket is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines a buttery pastry basket filled with a creamy custard and topped with a variety of fresh seasonal fruits. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends.

History

The fruit basket dessert has been a popular choice for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The combination of a flaky pastry base, creamy custard, and fresh fruits creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

8 oz (250 g) of butter
1 lb (500 g) of flour
4 tbsp of slightly sweetened cold water
a little salt
1 lb (500 g) of whipped cream
sugar
rum

Cream

8 yolks
2 cups of milk
8 tbsp of sugar
vanilla
3 tsp of potato flour
4 oz (100 g) of butter

Seasonal fruits

2 lb (1 kg) of strawberries or wild strawberries
sour cherries
apricots
grapes

How to prepare

Mix the water, flour, and salt. Roll the mixture into a sheet the width of a pencil.
Spread the butter evenly over the sheet.
Fold the sheet envelope-style and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Repeat the rolling and folding process of the dough three times, refrigerating for 20-30 minutes between each repetition.
Roll the dough into a large circle and place it in a layer cake pan with a removable bottom, allowing the edges to hang outside.
Bake at medium heat until golden.
Remove from the oven and use a sharp knife to cut off the excess dough that overhangs the rim of the layer cake pan.
Release the bottom of the pan and take out the baked basket.

Cream

Boil the milk with the vanilla and sugar.
Once it comes to a boil, cover and remove from heat.
In a bowl, beat the yolks while gradually adding the milk mixture, stirring continuously until all the milk is used up.
Add the potato flour, which was previously mixed with a little of the yolk and milk mixture.
Pour everything into a double boiler and stir until it reaches a soft paste-like consistency.
Remove from heat, add butter, mix well, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
Before serving, spread the cream on the bottom of the basket and top with the washed and drained fruits. Sprinkle with sugar and rum.
Add a layer of whipped cream on top of the fruits and garnish with a few more fruits.
The basket can be prepared 1-2 days in advance, but the filling should be added just before serving.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the top of the fruit basket for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the dough in between rolling and folding to ensure a flaky and tender pastry.

- Use a sharp knife to trim the excess dough from the baked basket for a clean and professional finish.

- Refrigerate the cream filling before assembling the fruit basket to allow it to set and thicken.

- Top the fruit basket with a generous amount of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fruit basket as a sweet ending to a dinner party or special occasion. Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a luxurious touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful fruit basket is to properly chill and roll the pastry dough to create a flaky and tender base. Be sure to follow the instructions for folding and rolling the dough to achieve the desired texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have butter, you can use margarine or shortening as a substitute.

- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or almond milk in place of the whipped cream and milk in the cream filling.

Make Ahead Tips

The fruit basket can be assembled up to 1-2 days in advance, but it is best to add the cream filling and fruits just before serving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the fruit basket with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Serve on a decorative platter or cake stand for a stunning display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the fruit basket with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fruit basket in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Saturated Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: dairy, eggs, wheat

Summary

The fruit basket is a decadent dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein. It also provides a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Summary

The fruit basket is a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery pastry base, creamy custard filling, and fresh seasonal fruits, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Martha, who was known for her delicious and inventive dishes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma of fresh fruits and spices.

Martha was busy chopping up a variety of fruits – apples, pears, oranges, grapes, and more – and tossing them in a large bowl. She then sprinkled them with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. The colors of the fruits, the sweet scent of the spices, and the sound of Martha's laughter as she worked all combined to create a magical moment.

"What are you making?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Martha smiled and replied, "I'm making a Fruit Basket. It's a simple and refreshing dessert that's perfect for hot summer days. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, and Martha graciously began to teach me her recipe. She explained that the key to a delicious Fruit Basket was using the freshest and ripest fruits available, as well as the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. She also shared with me the importance of allowing the fruits to marinate in the spice mixture for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

As I watched Martha work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be inspired. I had always loved cooking and baking, but there was something truly special about this recipe. It was not only delicious and healthy, but it also brought people together and created lasting memories.

Over the years, I made Martha's Fruit Basket recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added a splash of rum for a boozy kick, or a handful of nuts for some extra crunch. Sometimes I would even experiment with different fruits and spices, creating unique variations that always delighted my family and friends.

One day, while visiting my grandmother in the countryside, I decided to make her a Fruit Basket as a surprise. As I worked in her cozy kitchen, I couldn't help but think back to Martha and the day she had introduced me to this wonderful recipe. I knew that my grandmother, with her love of fresh and simple ingredients, would appreciate the flavors and textures of the dish.

When I presented the Fruit Basket to my grandmother, she was overjoyed. She marveled at the vibrant colors of the fruits, the rich aroma of the spices, and the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. As she took her first bite, a smile lit up her face, and she declared that it was the best dessert she had ever tasted.

From that day on, my grandmother and I shared many more Fruit Baskets together, each one made with love and shared with joy. We would sit in her sunny garden, savoring the flavors of the fruits and reminiscing about the past. I would tell her stories of Martha and the day she had taught me the recipe, and my grandmother would regale me with tales of her own culinary adventures.

As the years went by, my grandmother's health began to fail, and she could no longer enjoy her beloved Fruit Baskets. But even as her memory faded and her body grew weak, the taste of that simple and delicious dessert remained with her. It was a reminder of the love and care that had gone into making it, and the bond that we shared through food and family.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but smile as I prepare another batch of Fruit Basket. I know that Martha's recipe will continue to bring joy and comfort to those I love, just as it has done for me and my grandmother. And as I take a bite of the sweet and tangy fruit, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through generations, and for the simple pleasures of good food and good company.