Strawberry mousse

Ingredients (serves 4):
1 punnet (250g) fresh strawberries, leaves and stems removed, and halved
50g butter
1 cup water
3 tbsp castor sugar
2 eggs, separated
200g thick cream

Method:
1. Place half the strawberries in a pot. Add the butter and water. Boil until strawberries soften, about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. Puree in a blender when cool.
2. Stir in the sugar and egg yolks till the sugar dissolves.
3. In a bowl, whip the cream until thickened.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the egg whites into the strawberry mixture. Add the thickened cream and mix well.
6. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until it sets. When ready, spoon out the strawberry mousse and layer the rest of the strawberries in glasses.

Tips:
For a flavourful twist, marinate strawberries with 1 tsp each of sugar and balsamic vinegar before assembling.

Recipe source: Simply Her magazine (Feb 2008)