Star Attractions

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings:

1 sheet pre-rolled frozen pastry (about 150g), thawed
1/2 cups berries, single variety or mixed strawberries, raspberries or blueberries
1-2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
250-300ml cream
1-2 tablespoons caster sugar
finely grated rind 1/2 an orange
2-3 drops vanilla essence
Icing sugar to dust

Star shapes make this look extra special, or any other shape taste just as good.

Just cut around a cardboard template if you don't have a star cutter, but if you are in a rush rectangles. You can get six servings from a pastry sheet with rectangles.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. While the oven heats, cut the pastry shapes. Arrange the pastry on a baking sheet and chill until the oven is ready, then bake for 5-6 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. (you can do this well in advance if you like.)

Hull and halve or quarter strawberries, then place the fruit in a medium sized bowl. Prinkle in the sugar (start with the smaller amount and add more if required) and orange juice, then stir gentlly to combine.

Pour the cream into large bowl, add the sugar to taste, the orange rind and vanilla, the beat or whisk until softly whipped (will just hold shape but does not look dry).

Assemble just befor serving by carefully splitting the pastry shapes into two layers. Place the bottom layer on a flattish plate or bowl and cover with a generous spoonful of berries. Top the berries with a blob of cream, then carefully place on the pastry cap. Dust with icing sugar (put a little in a fine sieve and tap or shake gently) and serve.