Spiked Spiced Berries Recipes

MIXED BERRIES WITH SPICED MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the syrup, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the spices. Cool to room temperature.
• In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, creme fraiche, 2 teaspoons of the spiced syrup and vanilla. Using a large whisk or handheld mixer, beat until the cream thickens and soft peaks begin to form (careful not to over whip).
• Divide the berries among 4 coupe glasses or dessert dishes. Dollop with the whipped creme fraiche and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the syrup. Sprinkle with almonds, if using. Leftover syrup will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.

BERRIES WITH SPICED CREAM

Steps:

• Mix together the sour cream and cinnamon in a small bowl. Divide the blueberries and raspberries among 4 coupe glasses or small bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of spiced sour cream, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a good sprinkling of toasted almonds.

SPIKED SPICED BERRIES

Steps:

• Clean and slice strawberries into ½" pieces and place in a large bowl.
• Wash blueberries, drain and add to bowl.
• Add wine and spices.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar and stir to dissolve and distribute.
• Refrigerate at least 2 hours prior to serving, stirring it up periodically to redistribute the juices and any powdered sugar that may have settled to the bottom. Just prior to serving, mix in raspberries and blackberries.
• Serve berries in a bowl or ladle onto pound cake.

SPICED YOGURT WITH SUMMER BERRIES

Steps:

• Line a large sieve with cheesecloth, pour in the yogurt and fold over the edges so it is completely covered. Place the sieve over a bowl and put into the fridge for 12 hours.
• Put the saffron into a small bowl and add about 2 tablespoons boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes, and then strain it, reserving the saffron.
• Put the drained yogurt into a bowl, add the steeped saffron, honey and cardamom, and stir well to combine. Pour into individual serving bowls and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and berries just prior to serving.

SPICED FRUIT SALAD

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup each sliced dried apricots and dried cherries, 3 strips lemon zest, the juice of 1 lemon, a spoonful of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick and 2 tablespoons water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds. Toss with 2 segmented oranges, 2 sliced pears and a dash of vanilla; let sit at least 30 minutes. Serve with yogurt.
• Serves: 4 (does not include yogurt); Calories: 181; Total Fat: 0.5 gram; Saturated Fat: 0 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 46 grams; Sugar: 35 grams; Fiber: 6 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 3 milligrams

SWEET AND CRISPY SPICED BREAD AND BERRIES

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium heat.
• In a small bowl, combine the sugar and pumpkin pie spice. In a large bowl, combine the berries with half the lemon zest and lemon juice and half the sugar and spice mixture. Allow the berries to sit and macerate for 15 minutes. Slice each ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise and then slice each half in half on the bias. Brush the cut sides of the bread with the melted butter, sprinkle with the remaining sugar and spice mixture and place on the grill. Grill until toasted and browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Combine the remaining lemon zest with the whipped topping and stir. Remove the bread from the grill. Divide the bread evenly among 4 plates. Top each with 1/2 cup berry mixture. Serve with a dollop of the whipped topping and garnish with mint.

SERIOUSLY GOOD SPICED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients, except the fruits, into a large saucepan and slowly bring to the boil, uncovered. Boil the syrup for 5 minutes then remove the pan from the heat.
• Top and tail the oranges, then slice off the skin and every scrap of pith, using a small, sharp kitchen knife. Cradle each orange in the palm of your hand, hold it over the saucepan and cut out the segments, letting them drop into the syrup. Squeeze any juice from the debris into the syrup, too, then discard.
• Add the apricots and plums to the syrup and return the saucepan to a medium heat. Bring to the boil, then simmer the fruits for 10 minutes. Leave to cool, then chill for at least 2 hours.
• Serve the poached fruits just as they are or as a brûlée: whisk the milk into the fromage frais to loosen it a little, then divide the fruits and enough juice to cover them, among six ovenproof ramekins and spoon on the fromage frais, thickly. Dust with caster sugar and then 'burn' the sugar with a blow-torch. (Or put the ramekins on a heavy baking sheet, place it under a very hot grill and leave for 1-2 minutes until the sugar has caramelised.)

SPICED CRANBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until the berries pop and mixture is thickened, about 30 minutes. Cool. Transfer to a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate until chilled.