15-Minute Fruit Gratin

Preheat the broiler; set the rack as close to the heat source as possible (even 2 inches is not too close).

Wash, pit, stem, and peel the fruit as necessary. Cut stone fruit in halves or slices as you prefer. Cut strawberries in thick slices; leave smaller berries whole. Place the fruit - there should be at least 2 cups - in a baking or gratin dish just large enough to hold it.

Whip the cream with 2 tablespoons of the sugar until it is thick and just barely holding soft peaks. Pour it over and around the fruit. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

Broil carefully, allowing the cream to brown all over and even burn in a couple of spots; rotate the baking dish during broiling if necessary. Remove and serve.

WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: Gratin with Sour Cream: Combine 1 cup sour cream with just enough milk -about 1/4 cup- that you can whisk it smooth. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and proceed as above, using 1 tablespoon brown sugar for the topping.