Gooseberries.

Remembering my childhood, my brother and I used to go on school holidays where my Father's job would take him. Confession for confession, if it was very humble, a caravan accomodation, it was a jolly good time. We did get to visit lots of parts of France and other countries. But when Dad was working we were pretty much enjoying ourselves during the afternoon walking along countryside lanes, visiting as per say with our dog Darling. Don't ask me, it is me that named my Dog. It was because she was such a Darling and ever so protective of me.

My 'Darling'. She was such a fluff ball of a dog, a Tibetain Spaniel. She was not much of a walking dog though, I always ended up carrying her sweetness in my arms. But nonetheless if someone talked to me she didn't recognise, she would be barking until I calmed her down and said that it was alright.

During those country walks, near Thionville (North East France), there were lots of Gooseberry bushes we walked by, and there were a lot of Gooseberries that we ate. We enjoyed the sharp tartness of those Berries.

Gooseberry Bush.

Apart from eating them outright Gooseberries make an excellent Sauce to go with Fish especially Mackerel. This is so much so that in France the large green/yellow Gooseberry is called 'La Groseille à Maquereaux'. The Gooseberry has the right acidity to cut through that Oily Fish taste to balance it. It gives a little welcomed tartness to the dish.

Baked Mackerel on a bed of crushed Potatoes, chopped Parsley, sliced Sping Onions and mixed with a little Gooseberry Sauce.

Of course from an excellent Sauce, Gooseberries can also do a very good Jam or Conserve. Sharp, yes, but rendered sweeter with Jam Sugar, Gooseberry Jam can be the Jam for your Toast to make you open your eyelids faster in the morning...

There are other ways to enjoy Gooseberries, such as within Smoothies or as part of Juices. Their refreshing tang is delightful upon the palate just like, Cranberries, Blackcurrants, and Redcurrants. 

Gooseberries, Kiwi and Mint Smoothies.

But also nothing stops you to use Gooseberry as an Ingredient for a Cocktail or a very Summery drink like an Ice Tea. It does have enough zing to refresh the palate at anytime. Gooseberries are usually not the main star of the show but they are an essential part of it. Because they have the burst of flavour that one seeks.

Gooseberry Ice Tea so refreshing in the Summer.