Crispy Crepes with Fresh Fruit

1 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed according to package instructions

2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar, divided

2 cups raspberries, blueberries, or other fresh fruit, the best 12 berries reserved for garnish

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

1 tablespoon unflavored rum or coconut-flavored rum

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the puff pastry sheet on a work surface and cut into 12 equalsized pieces. Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the pastry approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a sifter to shake a bit of the confectioner?s sugar over the puff pastry. Return to the oven and continue baking for approximately 5 minutes or until golden. Place the puff pastry on a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.
4. Place the berries in a food processor and briefly process to form a rough purée.
5. Whip the cream with the remaining confectioner?s sugar until thick, but not stiff. Stir in the coconut and the rum.
6. To serve, place 1 piece of puff pastry in the middle of each serving plate, spoon some cream over the pastry, and then top with some purée. Place another pastry on top, garnish with some of the remaining berries, any leftover juice from the purée, and a sprinkle of confectioner's sugar.

Tropical Fruit with Ginger Creème Anglaise

(1-inch) pieces peeled gingerroot, slightly mashed

1 cup half-and-half

3 egg yolks

2 tablespoons sugar A variety of tropical fruits, sliced

1. In a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the ginger and the half-and-half to a slight simmer. Do not boil.
2. In the meantime, whisk together the eggs yolks and the sugar.
3. Slowly pour the hot half-and-half into the egg mixture, stirring constantly so that the eggs do not cook.
4. Pour the custard back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Pour the crèmes anglaise through a mesh strainer into a clean bowl and let cool to room temperature.
6. Pour over slices of your favorite tropical fruits.

Freezing Ginger

Ginger freezes fantastically. However, you may want to peel it, cut it into 1-inch pieces, and then wrap it tightly before doing so.