Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 lb strawberries, hulled
  • 2 tsp powdered gelatin
  • 1 1/4 cups whipped cream
  • 9 oz ladyfinger cookies
  • None None Vanilla pudding or custard, to serve

Method

  • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, sugar and liqueur. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until a light syrup forms. Cool slightly.
  • In a bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tbsp just-boiled water, whisking vigorously with a fork to dissolve. Place strawberries in a blender, reserving 4 small ones. Blend to a puree and strain through a fine sieve. Set aside half of the puree in the refrigerator. Whisk gelatin into remaining half of strawberry puree, then fold in whipped cream until well combined.
  • Line four 1-cup molds with plastic wrap. Cut ladyfingers in half widthwise. Dip in syrup, then use to line base and sides of molds, trimming to fit.
  • Pour strawberry mixture into molds until three-quarters full. Gently push one reserved strawberry into center of each. Cover with remaining ladyfinger pieces, dipping in syrup and trimming to fit. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 4 hours or overnight, until set.
  • Turn charlottes out onto plates and remove plastic wrap. Pour reserved strawberry puree around base. Drizzle with vanilla pudding or custard to serve.