Plum Parfaits With Mascarpone Whipped Cream Recipes

PLUM PARFAITS WITH MASCARPONE WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• For the Mascarpone Whipped Cream:.
• With an electric mixer, beat the cream, mascarpone, sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl until peaks form. (Mascarpone cream can be made 3 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Makes about 3 cups.
• Toasted Walnuts:.
• To toast walnuts, spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven until fragrant and slightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and cool. (Walnuts can be toasted a day ahead. Cool and keep covered at room temperature.).
• Plum Parfaits:.
• Halve plums lengthwise, and pit. Slice each half, lengthwise, into quarters. Then cut quarters in half crosswise.
• Place a large heavy skillet over medium heat until bottom of pan is hot. Add plums and sprinkle with sugar, ginger and cinnamon. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and becomes syrupy and plums are tender when pierced with a knife, about 6 minutes for medium ripe plums. (If plums are riper, the cooking time will be shorter, only about 3 minutes.) Watch carefully, and do not overcook or plums will become mushy. Remove skillet from heat and cool plums to room temperature. Taste and if desired season with more sugar. (Plums can be prepared 3 hours ahead. Leave at cool room temperature.).
• To assemble parfaits, use 4 sundae or wide-mouthed wine glasses. Spoon a few tablespoons of the plum mixture, including the juices, into each glass and top with a few tablespoons of the whipped cream. Sprinkle with some walnuts. Repeat this layering two more times in each glass. Garnish each parfait with a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

BROILED PLUMS WITH MASCARPONE CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. Place plum halves, cut sides up, in a single layer in an 8-inch square baking dish. Pour brandy evenly over plums, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar. Broil until plums are soft and sugar is caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put mascarpone, cream, and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Top broiled plums with whipped mascarpone cream.

MASCARPONE AND BERRY PARFAITS

Steps:

• Blend 1 cup chopped strawberries, 2/3 cup raspberries and sugar in processor to smooth puree. Drop 1 whole strawberry into each of 4 Champagne flutes or wineglasses. Top with 2 rounded tablespoons mascarpone cheese and 2 tablespoons fruit puree. Repeat layering 2 more times. Top each parfait with some of remaining cheese, then 3 raspberries. Chill at least 1 hour or cover and chill overnight.

STRAWBERRY PARFAIT WITH VIN SANTO, MASCARPONE & BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Place the biscotti biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them lightly with the end of a rolling pin, leaving them slightly chunky. Tip the crushed biscuits into a bowl, drizzle over the Vin Santo and give it a stir. In small bowl, use a fork to slightly mash half of the strawberries with the sugar.
• Whip the mascarpone in a medium bowl, then fold into the whipped cream. If the mixture appears too thick fold through a little milk. In a 1-litre glass bowl, spread half of the soaked biscotti. Top with half of the mashed strawberries and then half of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat until you have used up everything. Slice the remaining strawberries and scatter over the top. Refrigerate, then pack into a cooler as this dessert should be served chilled.