Should have been…

This post is terribly late and should have been named “I pity the fool…” The giveaway ended Thursday and I said I'd post the winner Friday.  I swear I didn’t just keep it for myself and run.  We do have a winner.  We also have a very unwell husband. 

Remember last weekend when I said we had to take a trip to the ER?  Well…there have been almost daily doctor’s appointments since to try to determine why Andy’s eyes are swollen.  First it was around his eyes, and now it is his actual eyeballs.  Sounds gross?  Looks even worse.  I’ll spare you the photos that I’ve sent to family.  The good news is that doctors seem confused but not horribly concerned about it and are leaning towards allergic reaction.  It will be really fantastic when it’s over.

So do me a favor and imagine that you’re reading something witty and funny about the A-Team and Mr. T saying “I pity the fool” in all his gold-chain glory.  Then imagine that I effortlessly tied it in to the persimmon fool I made with the persimmons that I thought were destined for the garbage.  We’re talking sad, deflated, and mushy.  But I was determined to use them and here’s what came out of it:

Persimmon Fool

Makes 2-4 servings

1 1/2 persimmons, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon brandy

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoons allspice

1/4 teaspoon ginger

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

gingersnap cookies, crumbled

Stir persimmons, brown sugar, brandy and spices together in a small saucepan.  Let simmer for a few minutes.  Puree roughly (either by hand or with an emersion blender.)  Refrigerate to cool.

Whip cream and sugar together in a mixer to form peaks.  Fold cooled puree into whipped cream.  Sprinkle top of fool with cookie crumbles.

It was only recently that I heard of a fool (puréed fruit mixed with whipped cream), but I loved it before even learning what it was.  The immature 10 year-old in me loves the name and giggles every time I say it.  The adult in me loves the simplicity of fruit mixed with cream. 

This is such a quick and easy dessert and is the perfect light finish to a meal. The persimmons mixed with baking spices and brandy made me think “holiday dessert.”  Throw in the whipped cream and gingersnap crumbles and this is definitely a winner.

Speaking of winners, Lea Ann at Mangos Chili and Z is the winner of my $35 CSN giveaway.  Congrats Lea Ann!

Another winner last week was me.  Becky at Baking and Cooking, A Tale of Two Loves bestowed The Versatile Blogger award upon me.  Thanks Becky…I appreciate it!

Fingers crossed for Andy and his quick recovery.