Suspended Animation: Summer Fruit, Elderflower and Prosecco Jelly

I remember watching Jamie Oliver on TV during his Oliver's Twist days, back when he'd zip around London on his scooter gathering groceries and have friends over to cook at his kitchen with the big window in the background. I remember seeing him make this recipe one episode. I had forgotten all about it until recently when I was trying to find a use for the big bottle of elderflower cordial that's been sitting in my fridge. 

I'm sort of obsessed with elderflower drinks. My favourite summer refreshment involves mixing a little elderflower cordial with fizzy water or sparkling wine. It's quite a unique flavour; it's sort of fruity, a little floral, with a hint of a "greenness". Elderflower is probably best in beverages though. I've tried elderflower flavoured chocolate and I swear it tasted like a chocolate bar that's been sitting in a granny's purse for too long (nastily perfume-y). 

This dessert is quick to prepare and fun to eat. The gelatin captures the bubbles so it stays fizzy on your tongue when you eat it. It can be unmolded or served in a glass. I topped the ones in the glasses with some vanilla mousse. I love the berries and cream combination. The cream mixed with the wine also tastes a bit like syllabub.

I tried making a similar dessert involving grape jello and club soda a few years ago. That attempt literally fell flat so I was worried about all the bubbles dissipating again before the jelly set. I was a bit more prepared this time, having done some extra research!

Tips and the recipe after the jump!