FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM

1. Chill the mixing bowl. About 15-30 minutes prior to making the whipped cream, place your mixing bowl and wire whisk attachment into the refrigerator to chill (or the freezer since it’s so hot here in Miami!) Whipped cream tends to whip better when everything is cold!
2. Add the whipped cream and vanilla bean paste into the chilled mixing bowl and then beat the mixture. Aim to minimize the amount of time it takes to make the recipe, so it stays cold the whole time!
3. Mix on a low speed to incorporate the vanilla bean paste with the whipping cream. Then gradually increase the speed to high as the mixture starts to form soft peaks – this takes just between 60 seconds to 90 seconds. Pause halfway, scrape down the sides, and continue whipping.
4. Beat until stiff peaks form. You’ll want to be careful not to mix/beat too long or else you’ll have butter. Do not walk away!

FOR THE STRAWBERRIES:

1. Cut your strawberries into slices.  Place 1/2 of the strawberries into a medium bowl.  Sprinkle with sugar and add vanilla extract.
2. Mash the strawberries (that have the sugar), leaving some larger chunks.  Then add the other 1/2 of the strawberries.  Let stand for a few minutes.

ASSEMBLING THE STRAWBERRY FOOL:

1. Add around 1/3 of the strawberry mixture to the whipped cream. Fold the strawberries into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. *Optional, but recommend to make the dessert more elegant*
2. Hold on to the remaining strawberries as you’ll use these to assemble the desserts in layers.
3. Spoon some of the remaining strawberries into your serving glasses and/or dishes.
4. Top some of the whipped cream mixture next in your serving glass (the whipped cream will be used twice, so estimate how much you’re using here to have enough for all the desserts you’re preparing).
5. Add another layer of the macerated strawberries, and then another spoonful of the cream.
6. Top with any extra strawberries for a garnish with a sprig of mint (or firecrackers for an extra ‘pop’ of celebration!)
7. Serve immediately, or place in the fridge to stay chilled until ready to serve.