Spiced Dates With Mascarpone Cheese Recipes

SPICED DATES WITH MASCARPONE CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the wine to a simmer.
• Add the dates and poach until the skins blister.
• With a slotted spoon, lift out the dates and, while warm, remove and discard the skins.
• Cut open the dates on one long side, remove the pits and place two almonds in the center of each date.
• Fold closed.
• To the wine, add the honey, peppercorns, cloves, orange zest, allspice, cinnamon sticks and bay leaf.
• Continue simmering until the wine is reduced by half, about 20 minutes.
• Strain wine into a clean saucepan.
• Add the dates to the wine and heat gently, over a medium low heat, until warmed through, but not hot, then remove from heat.
• To serve, place a dollop of mascarpone in the center of each of four plates.
• Spoon two dates and a little wine sauce on each plate, sprinkle lightly with sea salt and serve.

FRESH FIGS WITH MASCARPONE AND WARM SPICED HONEY

Steps:

• Arrange the figs cut-side up among four plates. Use the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center of the flesh and create a small indentation.
• Add a dollop of mascarpone to the center of each fig half and set plates aside.
• Place honey and spices in a small heat-proof bowl and set over a pan with simmering water. Cook over medium heat, whisking to blend, until the honey is liquefied and warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle honey over each fig, garnish plates with mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

SPICED BAKED FIGS WITH GINGER MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Lay the figs in an ovenproof roasting dish, dot over the butter and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle over the sugar and cinnamon, then pour over the orange juice and mix lightly. Nestle the star anise amongst the figs and roast for 15-20 minutes.
• When ready to serve, mix the ginger and syrup through the mascarpone. Place 4 fig halves, drizzled with syrup, on a plate with a dollop of mascarpone and some shortbread fingers.