A Luscious Berry Treat

This dessert from The Quick Recipe, by the editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine, is made by whipping together mascarpone cheese and whipped cream. It gets even better. Fresh berries (any combination will do) are tossed with Marsala wine and sugar. The flavored berries are placed over the cream to add texture and color. The final touch is a drizzle of honey over the berries and cream.

Whipped Mascarpone Cream with Marsala Wine and Berries

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled
1/2 cup plus 3 Tbsp. sugar
8 oz. mascarpone cheese
1-1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
3 cups mixed fresh berries, such as blackberries, blueberries and raspberries
2 Tbsp. sweet Marsala wine or other sweet red wine
honey for drizzling

Preparation:

Place the cream and 1/2 cup sugar in a chilled bowl and beat at low speed until small bubbles form. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the beaters leave a trail. Increase the speed to high, beating until the cream forms stiff peaks.

Transfer the whipped cream to a clean bowl. Place the mascarpone in the bowl used to whipped the cream (a clean bowl is not necessary) and beat it at medium speed until aerated and lightened, about 30 seconds. Add the reserved whip cream and beat at medium speed until incorporated. Add the lemon zest and beat for an additional 10 seconds. Transfer the whipped mascarpone cream to a medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Stir together the berries, remaining three tablespoons sugar and wine in a small bowl. Let the berries stand until the sugar dissolves, about five minutes.

To serve, spoon the whipped mascarpone cream into individual bowls and top with fruit. Drizzle honey to taste over each portion. Serve immediately.

Serving size: 6

The Quick Recipe, by the editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine